GEORGE TOWN: In a notable shift in tone, the Penang State Legislative Assembly building transformed into a cultural hub, hosting the Thai Contemporary Arts Exhibition in Penang 2024, Buletin Mutiara reported.
Art enthusiasts gathered in numbers, surpassing the usual political attendees, to witness the opening of this historic exhibition which will run until Feb 29.
Curated to bridge cultures, the exhibition showcases a collection of 40 art pieces, including 20 works by four distinguished Thai artists and another 20 from the eminent art collector Chirathep Senivongs.
This event marks a pioneering collaboration between Penang state legislative assembly speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang and the Thai Consul-General in Penang, Raschada Jiwalai, to bring this artistic vision to life within the heritage-rich assembly building.
"While we believe art is cross-culture, beyond borders, as well as creative and multifaceted, we also believe that the beauty of art needs to be shared. And today, the Thai Contemporary Art exhibition just got it right.
"Thanks to His Excellency (Raschada Jiwalai) for choosing the Penang State Legislative Assembly house for this historic exhibition, the first-ever Thailand art exhibition in this historic building.
"I strongly believe and suggest that many more such exhibitions should be and would be arranged, and the House is ready to welcome our guests and artists.
"It is not an easy life for any artist to craft and create his great works, especially in such a materialistic environment. I extend my respect to all the artists here for your tremendous dedication, patience and unwavering commitment to bringing beauty to us and our society," Law said.
Law lauded the initiative as a unique melding of Thai artistic talent within the walls of a historic edifice, emphasising the cross-cultural and boundary-transcending nature of art. Raschada echoed these sentiments, envisioning the exhibition as a conduit for fostering Thailand-Malaysia ties through cultural diplomacy.
Special accolades were extended to Chirathep Senivongs for his role in enriching the exhibition with his renowned collection.
Among the highlighted pieces is a poignant painting depicting schoolchildren in a rural setting, symbolising a rapidly vanishing way of life. This piece, Chirathep notes, serves as a reminder of the past's fleeting moments captured through art.
The Thai Contemporary Art 2024 exhibition is open daily from 10.30am to 5pm until Feb 29.
