Chalermchai Kositpipat

Chalermchai Kositpipat emerged in the late 1970s alongside Tawan Duchanee as one of the leaders of neo-traditional, Thai art. Neo-traditional art may be understood in terms of the use of allegory and figuration as these modes may pertain to Thai art, but in a manner that re-invents the form of historical representation.

Chalermchai has continued to explore his approach to a re-invention of traditional form with outstanding architecture in Chiang Rai city. At the heart of his work as an artist and designer is an understanding that Thai culture and Theravadan Buddhism require ever-new forms to communicate traditional meanings to ever-new audiences.

As the critic and curator Apinan Poshyananda pointed out in his book Modern Art in Thailand: Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries, “Surface decoration, bright colors, and finicky detail are particularly characteristic of Chalermchai’s later works…”

Chalermchai draws our attention to details in order for us to appreciate the minutiae of the lessons that Thai Buddhism has to teach us. His work in painting and architecture draws crowds, and we are required to ecither the symbols and insights his art demands. Like all great artists, beauty is the key to our engagement.