Art and Culture / Painting
Because of humidity and insects in the tropics, as well as war and fires during the earlier ages, very few old paintings are preserved.
Paintings from pre-historic times were found in the Udon Thani and Kanchanaburi areas. These paintings are characterized by monochromatic stick figures in red earth tones done as frieze and usually depicting a domestic or hunting scheme. Sometimes, the paintings are engraved decorations on bronze drums and pots with intricate linear designs, mostly showing Chinese and Indian influences.
From the era of the Mons from 6th to 11th century, no paintings remain. Only foundations and few walls with traces of paint on edifices were found plus a number of incised geometric drawings on brick, ivory and stone.
From the 9th to 11th century, the few relics found are intimately related to stone materials. By the end of the 13th century, with the ascend of the Sukhothai kingdom, Thai forms of painting evolved alongside the development of sculpture and architecture. Painted works were done almost solely for religious purposes and designed to inspire only the pious. The artists began to develop a unique style of painting and drawing using stone, brick and metal.
According to written sources, paintings were also done on Chinese cloth and incorporated with Chinese motifs; however such paintings were not preserved and only those which were engraved in metal and stone remained.
Many of the remaining engravings depict humans and animals with overemphasized torsos before floral backgrounds. One of the remaining paintings of the Sukhothai era can be found at the Wat Chedi Jetteo illustrating a Buddha in a reclining posture; it’s on a plaster surface and in black, white and red colors.
Thai paintings from the 16th century onward are characterized by divine or royal personages in gestures, postures, costumes and jewelries similar to what can be seen in classical Thai theater. Practically all paintings were done as murals, not on canvas. A result of this particularity has been that paintings could not be preserved when buildings were damaged or destroyed.
The National Arts Gallery
The National Gallery (Tel 281-2224) on Chao Fa Road, opposite the National Theater, exhibits traditional and contemporary works by Thai artists. The gallery is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays 9:00-16:00. Admission is 10 Baht.
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