Tuesday November 7, 2023 – Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University and KKU administrators welcomed “Chair Professor Dr. Chalermchai Kositpipat”, a National Artist, at Sirikunakorn Building, Office of the President, Khon Kaen University.
After the welcoming session, Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul and Chair Professor Dr. Chalermchai Kositpipat went to the Art Gallery, Art and Cultural Center, Khon Kaen University, to officially open the Art Exhibition, “Bun Pawes Than and Kan Hai” (Bun Pawes Alms Giving).
At the exhibition, Assoc. Prof. Niyom Wongpongkham, Ph.D., Vice President for Art, Culture and Creative Economy gave a speech on behalf of Khon Kaen University.
Next, Chair Professor Dr. Chalermchai Kositpipat”, a National Artist and the consultant of Thai Painting Artist Group expressed his feeling towards the first visit to the Art Gallery, Art and Cultural Center of Khon Kaen University, saying that he was very pleased to see the nurturing of culture with the works of numerous artists. The exhibition truly demonstrates the pride of Khon Kaen people and is a venue that will enable access of the youths to good art works.
Ajarn Teerawat Khanama, the representative of the Thai Painting Artist Group gave a report about the exhibition that in 2023, the Thai Painter Group carried out the project called, “Roaming Art for Giving and Cultural Participation”. The project featured activities related to art to promote conscience about giving and public-mindedness and make the community especially the youths to become aware of the values and to be able to preserve the local cultures and traditions. The activities had been carried out and the experiences from these were incorporated in art works, which are exhibited at the exhibition, “Bun Pawes Than and Kan Hai”. The Exhibition consists of 62 pieces of paintings from 42 Thai Painter Group and invited artists.
“The art works exhibited, besides showing the story about Phra Wessandorn Chataka, they also express the interpretation of artists of the words, “Than” and “Giving”. The works, created with free concept and thought, are exhibited from today until November 30. I’d like to thank the Art and Cultural Center of Khon Kaen University for offering the place.”
Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University said that the “Bun Pawes Than and Kan Hai” Exhibition is under the “Roaming Art for Giving and Cultural Participation” Project of the Thai Painter Group, which is a cluster of over 40 famous artists. The exhibition therefore shows the creative and valuable art works of the country. The works have been created to relate about “Bun Pawes” or “Bon Maha Chat”, which is an important annual merit event of Isan. The works are thus the means to attract the youths and the new generation to see and become interested in the valuable Thai arts and cultures.
In addition, the guests to the exhibition will absorb the essence of Dhamma. And “Bun Pawes” and the story of “Phra Wessandorn” can be widely interpreted, not restricted to being only the story of old people like in the past, but now connected to the life of the new generation, too.
“The Art Gallery of Khon Kaen University, as the principle unit to promote education and disseminate thai art and culture, is honored to welcome the Thai Painter Group, and to contribute to the organization of the “Bun Pawes Than and Kan Hai” Exhibition.”
The opening ceremony also featured a Dhamma lecture on “Bun Pawes” by {hra Khru Bunchayakorn, the Abbot of Chaisri Monastery, the chief abbot of Sawatee Sub-district Area 1; Lae Isan performance of Phra Wessandorn; a classical procession Bun Pawes dance – the Isan 12 heet by villagers of Tha Mafai Wan, Chaiyaphum. Finally, the administrators and the guests walked around to appreciate the art work exhibition.
News: Phanit Khatnak
[Thai]
