TEEMING WITH TALENT

Two young artists explain their award-winning pieces and dreams after bagging top finishes in a long-running competition

Held under the theme “Dream”, The 10th White Elephant Art Award showcased artwork reflecting the fantasy and ambitions of creative artists. Two young artists — Ladakorn Pungbubpha and Nilraya Bundasak — were recently awarded the White Elephant Prize (first place) and Grand Prize (second place).

Both artists said they participated in the competition because they were intrigued by the theme, however, they did not expect to win. Ladakorn, an art student at the Faculty of Painting Sculpture and Graphic Arts, Silpakorn University, said it was her first time participating in The White Elephant Art Award. After winning the first prize, Ladakorn felt overwhelmed.

“I thought that at best, I’d get a consolation prize. When I submitted my entry, I saw the quality of other participants, so I did not expect to win the White Elephant Prize at all. After learning the result, I felt overwhelmed and broke down in tears. My mother was with me and she was surprised by my reaction,” said Ladakorn of the competition organised by Thai Beverage.

Unlike Ladakorn, Nilraya has taken part in The White Elephant Award several times before. Nilraya, a freelance artist, won the White Elephant Prize twice and the Grand Prize three times. She was awarded the first White Elephant Prize for her embroidery piece, Siamese Smile, in 2017.

“I almost cried when I received the first prize in 2017 because I had never won a big award like that before. This year, I did not expect much because I have participated in the competition many times already, so I do not regret winning the second prize,” said Nilraya.

Life spoke to Ladakorn and Nilraya about their awardwinning artworks and their dreams as artists.