Fri, May 24, 2013 13:03:23 PM
Bangkok Post
Fri, May 24, 2013 13:03:23 PM
Bangkok Post
An exhibition of intricate hand embroidery by artisans of the Support Foundation of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit will mark the celebration of three auspicious royal birthday anniversaries: His Majesty the King's 85th on Dec 5, Her Majesty the Queen's 80th on Aug 12, and HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn's 60th on July 28.
The artisans come from farming backgrounds around the country and received training at Support Foundation centres. Their works will be displayed side by side with the original paintings, which were inspired by Thai literary works, traditional Thai lifestyles, and the country's flora and fauna. After developing their skills with simple floral patterns, the Foundation introduced an Art Prototype section for resident artists to create original paintings which are then used as patterns for embroidery.
The exhibition will take place at the Queen's Gallery from Aug 2 to Nov 13.
This is the first time embroidery has been the focus of an exhibition, even though the embroidery department was set up more than 20 years ago.
The exhibition will cover all five floors of the gallery, starting with the "Pa Rak Nam" theme on the first floor with Their Majesties' royal initiatives in forest and water resource conservation, as well as portraits of Their Majesties the King and Queen, and video presentations of the history of hand embroidery. On the second floor, the works focus on royal initiatives in environmental conservation, flora and fauna.
Mythical animals, beautiful women, Thai flowers, Thai folk takes and literature provide the setting for the works on the third floor, while a 2.4m wide, 1.92m high piece with a Ramayana theme will dominate the fourth floor.
Artisans will be on hand to demonstrate their large work in progress, Lotus Pond.
Various activities will keep the fifth floor lively, with embroidery classes and competitions for children from 10.30am to 3.30pm, water painting classes, and cultural performances on Sundays by performers from the College of Dramatic Arts, Bunditpatanasilp Institute.
Thanpuying Charungjit Teekara, deputy private secretary to Her Majesty the Queen, will give a talk on the topic "From the Royal Compassion to Hand Embroidery" on Sunday, Aug 19, at 1.30pm.
Embroidery products and books will be available for sale.
