Trends Ep 12 Pichai Pongsasaovapark Contemporary Artist in Sustainability, Environment & Social
- dbcasia
- Feb 25
- 2 min read
Continuing the theme of Sustainability, in Episode 12 of Trends we are in conversation with Thai contemporary artist Pichai Pongsasaovapark. He’s a Bangkok-based artist creating abstract and conceptual works that bring greater attention to the environmental crises and social issues that we face and the need for greater action from all of us.
Art has always been a powerful medium for human expression, allowing us to communicate, evoke emotions, and depict the world around us in unique and imaginative ways. And Thai contemporary artist Pichai Pongsasaovapark stands as a poignant voice echoing the urgent need for environmental action. A multifaceted artist, designer and photographer based in Bangkok, Pichai crafts compelling narratives through acrylics, mixed media, and photography, shedding light on the pressing environmental challenges that demand our collective attention and intervention.
David Barrett, Trends host sat down with Pichai in this episode to delve into the depths of his artistic exploration. At the heart of his oeuvre lies a profound commitment to addressing environmental crises, particularly the grim spectre of Bangkok's air quality.
An accomplished artist, Pichai's works have found homes in esteemed art galleries and both public and private collections, including the prestigious Luciano Benetton Foundation in Milan Italy, the National Institutes of Health in the USA and The United Nations in Thailand. His impactful work extends beyond gallery walls, encapsulating a poignant plea for action on the environmental stage.
In 2018, Pichai received an invitation to present his work at a United Nations annual environmental conference, solidifying his role as an artist with a purpose. His focus on environmental and climate change issues became a call for change, urging viewers to confront the often-overlooked consequences of our actions on the planet.
Air pollution, an insidious issue repetitively plaguing Thailand, became a central theme in Pichai's artistic endeavours in 2017. The invisible menace that is often ignored until an annual smog veil descends upon Thai cities inspired the series "Poison Flowers" and "Exhaust Man". Pichai ingeniously used art canvases to shroud the exhaust pipes of various vehicles that contribute to Bangkok's air quality issues, revealing the stark truth of carbon emissions through toxic flower patterns. His bold art expression on canvas communicates without words, breaks down barriers of language and culture. He uses the universal language of art to convey emotions, challenge ideas, and provoke thought.
Expanding his environmental focus in 2018, Pichai tackled broader issues linked to climate change, including urban pollution and rising oceans resulting from melting icebergs and glaciers. His art became a mirror reflecting the consequences of unbridled urban growth, industrial pollution, and deforestation, all contributing to the perilous path of our planet.
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