FEELINGS ONLY What does abstract art mean to you personally?
LEARN TO LOVE ABSTRACT ART THROUGH TWO THAI LEGENDS
The most interesting thing happening at the EM District right now is the annual EmQuartier Art Festival. Aside from the art market and creative workshops for you to swan-dive into, the festival’s main exhibition should definitely be on your agenda, as it is the first dual exhibition between two masters of Thai abstract art, Somyot Hananuntasuk and Somboon Hormtientong. Guru catches up with the legends to get a better understanding of what draws them towards abstract art and what it has meant to them for the last 40 years and counting.
What pieces have you selected to showcase in the art festival and why?
Somboon: We have chosen ten pieces for the exhibition. These paintings are my most recent works. The few examples from a few years ago, however, exhibit my most recognisable themes. Somyot: Most of the works that’ll be exhibited are my recent works as well. I want to show people what I’m doing currently.
What themes are present in your artwork for the festival?
Somboon: My themes consist of emotions and ideas of displacement. I spent many years in Germany and now reside in Thailand. Thai and German cultures are almost exact opposites. My work, at times, expresses this dichotomy. Somyot: There are no particular themes for mine.
What advice would you give to someone who doesn’t quite understand how to appreciate abstract art?
Somboon: Trust your feelings. Try not to make a literal translation of a painting. Trust your feelings and gut instincts. Visit museums and try to remember what you’ve seen and how it makes you feel. Somyot: I recommend approaching abstract art with only your feelings. Avoid all thinking and reasoning and really get to know what’s in front of you.
How much does living abroad influence your artwork?
Somboon: My paintings are heavily influenced by my time abroad. One can easily see European expression explored in my paintings along with the influences of Chinese calligraphy. Somyot: Living in Munich has influenced my art tremendously. The art scene there is much bigger than it is here. There are a lot of new things emerging there all the time, so many valuable museums that allow us to study the creativity of past artists, and a public that really sees and values the potential of creativity. This has galvanised me to get to work, discover new things, and improve my art constantly.
As an artist, who do you look up to? Or what inspires you?
Somboon: The great European painters. Somyot: Nature and my surroundings. Somboon: For me, it’s a way to express and address problems, conundrums and thoughts. Somyot: Whether it’s abstract art or other forms of art, art has impacted my life so profoundly. It’s like food and air to me; I need it on a daily basis to live. This weekend is your last chance to catch Somboon and Somyot’s paintings at The EmQuartier Art Festival. And when you’re there, remember their tip: trust your feelings.