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Explore Thai contemporary artist Pichai Pongsasaovapark’s compelling narrative through art, shedding light on pressing environmental challenges and inspiring action.
Continuing the theme of Sustainability, in Episode 12 of Trends I am 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 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 Episode 12 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.
In the series “Why did you go away?” and “Macro and Micro,” Pichai grapples with the global response to climate change, particularly the Paris Agreement. His works implore viewers to consider the collective responsibility of nations, emphasizing the need for individual and community-driven actions to safeguard the future.
2019 bore witness to Pichai’s creation of “The Mess We Make,” inspired by Thailand’s struggle with the airborne particulate PM2.5. Delving into the deficiency of air pollution management, the series underscored the serious health risks posed by the lack of systematic intervention. Pichai’s art became a powerful tool to raise awareness about the dangers of bad air quality and inspire change.
As Pichai passionately asserts, artists cannot single-handedly solve societal problems, but they can catalyse awareness and stimulate dialogue. Through his profound creations, Pichai Pongsasaovapark invites us to confront the environmental challenges we face, compelling us to act with urgency for the sake of our planet and future generations. In the delicate strokes of his brush and the vivid imagery of his lens, he weaves a narrative that transcends aesthetics, beckoning us to see and respond to the world’s call for change. We all need to act now to save the planet.
David Barrett is a MICE Consultant, Marketing Strategist and digital video advocate. Founder of DBC Group, Member of Institute of Place Management (MIMP) his motto is “Everybody has a story to tell. Let me tell yours.”
David is a long-term resident of Bangkok having lived and worked in the Thai capital for more than 32 years. He is recognised in the Thai tourism and hospitality industry for his passion for promoting Thailand, his love of Thai food, and his creative approach to marketing.
64 years young, David is a Brit in Bangkok. Born in St Helier, UK, he returned to the UK and set up home in Cornwall during the COVID pandemic. With business back as usual, David has returned to Thailand. He’s a man on a mission to interview leaders and trend-setters in business, sustainability, the arts and entertainment. You can watch his weekly conversations on Trends YouTube channel.
