Nurturing a new generation

To create opportunities for young artists, National Artist Kamol Tassananchalee initiated the project Young Artists Talent 15 years ago. The project offers exceptional young artists the chance to participate in workshops and receive feedback from veteran and national artists.
Kamol revealed that he initially aimed to allocate awards to 10 young artists from five regions.
“The project originally aimed to help young artists from different universities in five regions form friendships while learning in art workshops. After the local workshop ended, I had the idea of bringing five finalists out of the original 10 artists to the US for a study trip. I have plenty of room at my house in Los Angeles to accommodate them. However, Thawan Duchanee, the late National Artist, told me to bring them all and supported me throughout the project,” explained Kamol.
Supported by the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture (OCAC) at the Ministry of Culture, this year, the five-day workshop was held in Phuket. Out of 96 applicants, 40 students participated, from which five winners — Pimnara Thanakornwat, Ritthirut Rojananukulpong, Suteekan Chuaytip, Darunee Khawpong and Rak Dokmaiphum — were selected for their talent in mixed media, mechanic art, sculpture, weaving and printmaking respectively, and awarded a study trip to Los Angeles.
Kamol, who received the Annual Award Artist from Oakland Museum in 1980, has lived and worked in LA for several decades. He shared experiences with the young artists while taking them to visit renowned galleries like the J. Paul Getty Museum, Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden, Norton Simon Museum, The Broad, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation. Kamol purposely selected these galleries to present the history of art from the Renaissance period to modern times to the young artists.
Besides art museums, the winners explored the historic architecture of Pasadena City Hall. They also sketched landscapes at Rocky Peak Park in Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which is set to host the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Kowit Pakamart, director-general of OCAC, revealed that Young Artists Talent was on hiatus for five years due to budget cuts and the Covid-19 pandemic, and only just returned this year.
“After 15 years, the project has been successful in terms of quality rather than quantity. One of the most successful winners is now the dean of the Faculty of Painting Sculpture and Graphic Arts at Silpakorn University. I aim to compile a list of all past finalists to track their careers and keep the OCAC informed of their success. Kamol informed us that around 70% of Young Artists alumni typically pursue academic careers as lecturers and professors, while the remaining 30% pursue other art related careers,” said Kowit.
“The five winners were eager to explore art museums and learn from Kamol’s lectures, so that they could apply what they learned to their own work. Sketching at Rocky Peak Park and Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will help the young artists gain experience and contribute to their development.”
Kamol explained that the young artists experience the energy of real artwork in a way that is completely different from book learning.
“Viewing artwork in person, especially videos and installations, helps young artists feel the energy, scale and impact of the pieces. Even with paintings, they are better able to appreciate the colours, composition, techniques and underlying energy. At art galleries, I always point out how artists developed their signature style because it is significant for them to discover and develop their own personal style,” Kamol explained.
“Unlike in Thailand, some universities in the US do not teach students about Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh or Leonardo da Vinci. Instead, they encourage students to experiment with new techniques and go beyond the traditional canvas and brush.”
All the winners were happy and expressed positive feedback about the trip.
Pimnara Thanakornwat, a mixed media artist who won the first prize, is now a graduate student at the Faculty of Painting Sculpture and Graphic Arts, Silpakorn University. The experience helped her to become much more expressive.
“I learned to be daring in creating art. This experience shifted my mindset, giving me the confidence to go after what I want, even if it may seem beyond my abilities. During my visit to the US, I had the opportunity to feel the energy in all the artwork that I viewed. I realised that every successful piece came from the courage of artists who unleased their energy and emphasised certain elements, without worrying about the outcome,” said Pimnara.
“I was impressed with every museum, especially the J. Paul Getty Museum, since it exhibits various kinds of art from neoclassical to conceptual art. My goal is to create a site-specific installation that will transform and cover the original space with a new creation, like a new world.”
Ritthirut Rojananukulpong, a mechanic artist who graduated from the School of Architecture, Art and Design, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, said he was thrilled to see the many mechanic art pieces.
“All the art galleries are well-organised. I was impressed by them all, especially the Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation. Since it is a private gallery, it has a home-like vibe. The trip was an opportunity to see works I probably would not have the chance to see — masterpieces created by Vincent van Gogh and George Rickey, a kinetic sculptor. I now work as a supplier who creates art pieces. I’m still figuring myself out, so I’m trying many different things. One thing that I definitely want to do is become an artist,” said Ritthirut.
Suteekan Chuaytip, an aspiring sculptor and a third-year student at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Phetchaburi Rajabhat University, said the Norton Simon and J. Paul Getty museums were his favourite places. The trip also allowed him to see artwork by his idols Pablo Picasso and Henry Moore.
“Seeing original artwork in person was an eye-opening experience for me. I encouraged myself to experiment with new things and think outside the box. I should not limit myself to the same kind of artwork that has already been created. I will discuss my ideas with my adviser at university. I hope there will be more budget for the Young Artists Talent programme so that more participants can join such trips. I learned a lot and the experience inspired me; It was worth it just to see the artwork.”
Darunee Khawpong, who graduated from the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Thaksin University, is currently an art teacher at Chaimongkolwit School in Songkhla. Darunee said she never expected to have an opportunity to visit the US, so she appreciated every place, especially The Broad.
“The Broad exhibits modern art which is right up my alley since my work is abstract modern art. The programme has broadened my horizons and allowed me to appreciate the vast array of art which many people do not have the opportunity to see. I intend to share my experiences with the students I teach,” said Darunee.
Rak Dokmaiphum, an aspring woodcut artist and fourth-year student at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Chiang Mai University, said the project allowed him to expand his horizons and connect with new people.
“Seeing masterpieces that I saw only in textbooks was awe-inspiring. The Broad’s collection is fantastic and truly international. Due to the experience, I have developed new perspectives and want to try many things I have never done before,” said Rak.
“In the future, I have more options: working as a printmaker, pursuing a master’s degree to become a lecturer, or becoming an artist.”