ไทย
Phuket – On November 17, 2024, at 6:00 PM, Mr. Sophon Suwanrat, Governor of Phuket, presided over the opening ceremony of the art exhibition “I-Jud” Lovely Lucky I-Jud No. 13. The event was attended by Ms. Paphatsorn Meepa, Chairperson and Founder of Phuket Nine Real Estate Development Co., Ltd., Mr. Wasinburee Supanichvoraparch, a 2010 Silpathorn Award-winning artist in design, Mr. Rewat Areerob, President of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization, members of the Phuket Artists Association, an artist network, and media representatives. The ceremony took place at Mix Mall, Rawai Beach, Mueang District, Phuket.
Mr. Sophon Suwanrat, Governor of Phuket Province, stated that Phuket has been selected to host the “Thailand Biennale, Phuket 2025”, an international contemporary art exhibition. This grand event will take place from November 2025 to April 2026 and is expected to attract art enthusiasts from around the globe to visit Phuket. Beyond promoting the local economy through cultural tourism, the event also aims to enhance Thailand’s cultural industry, or “Soft Power,” to compete on a global stage. It seeks to elevate the prestige and international recognition of Thai arts and culture.
The Governor further noted that the contemporary art exhibition, “I-Jud: Lovely Lucky I-Jud No. 13,” displayed at Mix Mall, Rawai Beach, marks the beginning of creating awareness of the value of contemporary art in various forms. This initiative sparks curiosity among art enthusiasts, aligning with the concept of this particular art piece. Created by Mr. Wasinburee Supanichvoraparch, a 2010 Silpathorn Award-winning artist in the field of design, *I-Jud* represents Thailand’s new wave of artists whose works have been exhibited globally. Notably, he has showcased his creations at prominent international events, such as the Venice Biennale in Italy, one of the world’s largest art festivals.
The “I-Jud: Lovely Lucky I-Jud” sculpture was originally crafted from ceramic at the size of a puppy and was part of the ‘Coming Closer’ series, which included German castles, gnomes, Thai jars, Thai children, and “I-Jud,” a Thai puppy representing Thailand’s street culture. Initially exhibited in Bangkok and Berlin, Germany, in 2007, the piece was later included in the ‘Smile Siam’ exhibition during the opening of the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre in 2008. By then, ‘I-Jud’ had gained added context, reflecting the growing presence of contemporary art in Thai society. The sculpture became a symbol of curiosity and engagement with contemporary art, broadening its reach to a wider audience.
In 2012, SCG Chemicals developed a new material called acrylic syrup, an alternative to resin or fiberglass, and created a 3-meter-tall version of ‘I-Jud.’ Its journey began at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, symbolizing the increasing influence of contemporary art in Thai society. Later that year, the sculpture returned to its roots in Ratchaburi Province, the site of its production, as part of a project to create sculptures for the province. This initiative emphasized that art is essential not just in the capital city but in smaller communities like Ratchaburi, integrating art into daily life.
Furthermore, the sculpture was installed at the Ratchaburi National Museum due to its approachable and relatable nature, making it easy for people without an art background to engage with. This accessibility encourages connections through contemporary art and draws visitors to explore the historical and communal narratives housed at the museum. ‘I-Jud’ has also been displayed at venues such as the National Gallery under the Ministry of Culture, continuing its journey to bridge contemporary art with local history and cultural memory.
