"Italthai Portrait Prize 2024" Award Announcement Ceremony Elevating Discussions and Addressing Social Issues in Its Fourth Year. Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, and Mr. Yuthachai Charanachitta, Group CEO of Italthai Group, Present Awards.
Today, the winners of the Italthai Portrait Prize 2024 were announced and awarded. The Italthai Group, as the main sponsor, collaborated with River City Bangkok (RCB), the venue host, to present this prestigious award. Now in its fourth year, the competition aims to be a platform that promotes both amateur and professional artists, allowing them to shine in the art scene at national and international levels. This year, the competition also elevates the conversation by addressing current social issues through the remarkable works of the winners.
Since 2021, this live portrait painting competition has provided an opportunity for artists from across the country to showcase their work to the public, collectors, galleries, and the media. This competition also promotes awareness of the abundant creative potential in Thai's society through the artworks of participants, who express their unique styles in portraiture using diverse techniques. In this competition, artists have the freedom to choose any individual as their portrait subject, including family, friends, the general public or notable figures in Thailand such as community leaders, business executives, celebrities, journalists, writers, filmmakers, government officials, or educators. Additionally, artists must provide a brief description of up to 300 words explaining how the subject of the portrait has influenced their life. This narrative plays a crucial role in the award selection process.
This year, the Italthai Portrait Prize received a remarkable 237 entries, showcasing the vibrant talent of artists across the region. A distinguished seven-member jury, comprised of influential figures from commercial, governmental, and institutional sectors, meticulously evaluated each submission to determine the winners of the Portrait Prize and the Youth Prize categories. As the competition enters its fourth year, the jury introduces fresh perspectives by rotating out two members annually, fostering diverse insights. United by their belief in the vital role of art and culture in society, the jury considers key factors in their assessments: the raw talent demonstrated, the emotional impact of the artwork, and the story behind the sitter. The Packing Room Prize is determined by the River City Bangkok exhibition team, while the People's Choice Prize goes to the portrait that receives the most votes from exhibition visitors, which will be announced after the exhibition concludes on November 4, 2024. Altogether, the prizes amount to an impressive 900,000 Baht, underscoring the significance and value of this competition in supporting, elevating and valuing artistic talent.
The jury has awarded the 'Portrait Prize' to the artwork titled "MY GIRL MY GANG" by artist Nuttawut Kaiwansin, who receives a prize of 500,000 Baht. This portrait depicts the artist's girlfriend, a significant source of inspiration in his life. The jury noted that the painting resonates with many new and future generations in Thailand today, reflecting the disruptions currently felt in Thai society. Nuttawut excels at portraying a modern love story between two individuals navigating the harsh and unforgiving realities of urban life, with the young woman symbolizing strength, determination, and rebellion.
The 'Packing Room Prize' was awarded to the work titled 'Phanraya Kong Chan,' which means 'My Wife,' by artist Veeravoot Phumdong with a prize of 200,000 Baht. This portrait illustrates the artist's cherished wife, who loves to cook. This portrait was chosen for the artists' excellent technical skills in detailing the sitter's Thai outfit as well as all the objects in the painting. Nonetheless, when viewing the expression of the sitter, one cannot stop to wonder what the sitter is contemplating. Whether she is truly content in staying in the kitchen in performing her role as a good wife.
The "Youth Prize" was awarded to the artist under 16 years of age for the work titled "Waiting for This Moment for So Long" by artist Rattasil Somoppahad, along with a cash prize of 100,000 baht. This artwork tells the story of two friends from different backgrounds who come together and form a close bond through shared life goals.
To reinforce our commitment to promoting and supporting Thai artists, and to celebrate the positive feedback received throughout the past four years, we are excited to introduce special awards for two runners-up entries this year: "Cleaning" by artist Klangkwanruethai Thanaklung and "Dollar" by artist Ray Yamansabeedeen
This year's winning portraits not only showcase the impressive skills and stories of the artists but also reflect diverse perspectives and raise questions about societal views on the image of women today. They emphasize that there is not just one way to define what it means to be a woman of strength, and that there no longer needs to be strict boundaries dictating how the roles and images of women in Thai society should be portrayed.
This event was honored by Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, who presided over the award announcement ceremony and extended his congratulations to the winners. Governor Chadchart said, "This marks the third year that I've had the honor of presenting this event, and personally, it's one of my favorite art events. It's truly among the top art competitions in Bangkok, providing a platform for young people and the next generation to showcase their talents. I would like to extend my gratitude to Italthai and everyone involved for making this event possible, and congratulations to all the award recipients. Thank you for creating works that allow us to come together and appreciate art. I hope this space continues to be a place where young people can express their abilities for years to come."
Mr. Yuthachai Charanachitta, Group CEO of Italthai Group, the sponsor of the competition, also addressed the attendees, stated, "Each year, I see the portrait submissions reaching new levels of quality, and today, we're proud to introduce two additional special awards to the runners-up. I truly hope this competition continues to serve as a platform showcasing fresh narratives and perspectives from Bangkok and Thailand. Speaking on behalf of Italthai Group and River City Bangkok, as well as a proud citizen of Bangkok, I remain dedicated to supporting the arts. I hope River City Bangkok can play a small but meaningful role in inspiring the art community and become a lasting part of the city's cultural fabric."
The announcement of the Italthai Portrait Prize 2024 was honored by a distinguished panel of seven jurors, each an expert in their respective fields, including business, art collecting, and entrepreneurship:
- Mr. Yuthachai Charanachitta, Group CEO of Italthai Group
- Mrs. Pranapda Chirathivat, Founder of Dragonfly360 and President of Siam Music Yamaha Co., Ltd.
- Mr. Tom Van Blarcom, Managing Director of Total Quality PR (Thailand) Co., Ltd
- M.L. Kathathong Thongyai, Assistant Director - General of Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce
- Ms. Naphalai Areesorn, Editorial consultant, Koktail and Thailand's Favourite Restaurants
- Ms. Adulaya Hoontrakul, Director of Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC)
- Mr. Voranai Vanijaka, Journalist & College Lecturer
The People's Choice Prize, valued at 100,000 Baht, will be awarded based on votes from all exhibition attendees from September 26 to November 3, 2024. And the award will be announced on November 4, 2024.
Ms. Linda Cheng, Managing Director of River City Bangkok, stated,"This is the fourth year of the competition, and I'm so excited to see many new faces joining us. It's not easy, I think, to bring Thai artistic practitioners together. Of course, we hope to continue this competition for years to come. I'd also like to thank all of you for participating in this competition, for continuing your artistic journeys with us. River City Bangkok will continue promoting the appreciation of art, and for encouraging lifelong learning. Thank you very much."
Join us in celebrating the beauty and diversity of artistic expression at the Italthai Portrait Prize 2024 exhibition, held at River City Bangkok, RCB Galleria 3, on the 2nd floor, from now until November 3, 2024.
Stay tuned for the opening of applications for the next Italthai Portrait Prize on March 1, 2025.