Located along Thailand’s border with Laos in the upper North of Thailand, Nan province is renowned for its tranquility, an abundance of natural resources, a rich culture and heritage, as well as a simpler, more laid back lifestyle.

Cultural connoisseurs are aware that Nan is particularly well known for its centuries-old traditional murals. Indeed, over recent years, these historic paintings have received greater attention after a contemporary art gallery opened, linking the province’s past with its present.

Nan Riverside Art Gallery, located on a hillside along the banks of the Nan River on the way to Tha Wang Pha district, was established four years ago by Winai Prabripu, 53, a native painter turned curator.

“Nan is my hometown and is known for its valuable heritage when it comes to painting. I wanted to generate a link between our ancestors’ works of art and the current generation of painters,” Winai said.

On the second floor of the gallery is a permanent exhibition of Winai’s own work, which largely feature his interpretations of the murals found at Wat Phumin and Wat Nongbua. These temples are the most important when examining traditional painting in the province.



Linking the past with the present

Winai’s contemporary work features male and female figures in traditional costumes, banana trees, chickens, and other birds, which are also the subjects of the murals found at both temples.

“My desire is to express my own impressions of the murals and convey a message about Nan’s heritage,” he said.

Winai lived in Bangkok for 30 years before deciding eight years ago to move back to the province where he was born.

As well as exhibiting his own work, Winai’s gallery also dedicates space on the first floor and at a nearby cottage studio to exhibitions of artists from across the country. The gallery has hosted between 10 and 12 exhibitions a year since its opening. It features the work of famous names, as well as rising young newcomers.

The gallery is popular among locals, with students, and with tourists. Winai says the gallery welcomes more than 10,000 visitors per year.



A curator’s role

As well as presenting the exhibitions, Winai has also taken on the role of curator. He reaches out to the local community through hosting art camps, where young students can learn more about Winai’s vision and gain a greater awareness of local heritage.

Over time, the gallery has become a major attraction in Nan province. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), for example, lists the gallery as a recommended destination on its official website.

To develop the gallery further, Winai plans to build a new structure, establishing an additional venue for another permanent exhibition. The building should be complete by the end of the year and will display digital prints relating to the history of mural paintings at the temples of Wat Nongbua, Wat Changkham, and Wat Phumin.

Winai also plans to use an outdoor area within his 13-rai (just over two-hectare) compound to exhibit sculptures produced by artists across the country.

“I’ll keep thinking of new projects for the gallery as I’ve already decided to live here. I intend this place to serve as a place where people can learn about art of the past and present,” Winai said.

Nan Riverside Art Gallery is located along the Nan-Tha Wang Pha Road at kilometer 20. If following the transport connections information below, note that you can get a songthaew (pick-up vehicle with bench seats) from the main town to Tha Wang Pha district. They operate every 20 to 30 minutes.

Nan Riverside Art Gallery opens Thursday through Tuesday during 9 am-5 pm. Entrance is 20 baht (less than US$0.50).

The gallery aims to present about 12 exhibitions per year. For further information, visit the gallery’s official website at http://www.nanartgallery.com or call Tel: +66 (0)54 798 046.