F. Stephen Thompson

I really enjoyed seeing the brightly colored, sometimes offbeat compositions in Narissara Pianwimungsa’s second exhibition at the recent launch at Galerie N on Wireless Road.

I’m not entirely sure I understand the concept behind the exhibition, and so I’ll leave that judgment to the visitor. However, on a personal level, I did enjoy seeing some of the pictures accompanying this story in person and would recommend you visit Galerie N personally should the opportunity arise.

Surely it’s possible to find something aesthetically pleasing, while not really caring too much about any meaning or message attached to it? My point is that before reading the material accompanying this exhibition, I first took plenty of time studying the compositions and greatly appreciated the experience. My advice would be to follow the same principle and explore the artwork first before  trying to delve deeper into the apparent meaning behind it.

Themes in Narissara’s paintings and compositions are quite clear - eyes, spots, the color red, and concealed or partially concealed faces. Khun Nattarudee Palalikit, a partner in the chic gallery, kindly allowed me to take the photos accompanying this text.

I guess there’s perhaps a good deal of pressure on artists to conceptualize or explain the “meaning” in their work these days. I would recommend, however, that you personally take a trip to the gallery before making any judgment on the supporting material describing ‘Perfect Skin’ in the accompanying brochure.

If you enjoy the exhibition, perhaps, like me, you’d be happy enough to not know what the compositions are supposed to be about, and simply admire the works of art for what they are.

For further information, contact Galerie N direct on Tel: +66 (0)2 252 1592, or visit the gallery’s homepage at http://www.galerienbangkok.com.

Summary

In short, “I don’t know why I like it but I do”.

Transport connections:
Train: Probably one of the easiest ways of reaching Galerie N is to hop on the MRT subway. Head for Lumpini station and look for Exit 3. When you depart the station, turn right in the direction of the US embassy. Walk past Suan Lum Night Bazaar and after about another 100 meters you will arrive at Galerie N.