MOCA – Museum of Contemporary Art in Bangkok
MOCA is the Museum of Contemporary Art in Bangkok. It is located in 499 Kamphaengphet 6 Rd., Ladyao, Chatuchak. This museum is a special, serene place and definitely worth a visit if you are in Bangkok. The MOCA is supposed to provide a solid platform in building “Art Society” in Thailand thus encouraging newcomer in various branches of arts. This is the museum’s vision.
MOCA – Museum of Contemporary Art
At the MOCA – Museum of Contemporary Art in Bangkok*
This museum was established by Mr. Boonchai Bencharongkul in honour of Prof. Silpa Bhirasri (Corrado Feroci) who is considered the ‘Father of Thai Contemporary Arts’. What is more, the MOCA is also supposed to appreciate the great favour of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
An artist at work – preserving the essence of Thainess at MOCA*
The Italian-born Prof. Silpa Bhirasri (1892-1963) worked mainly in Thailand and was ground-breaking in establishing modern art in Thailand. In addition, he was instrumental in founding Silpakorn University. In accordance with Prof. Bhirasri’s vision, the MOCA wants to protect and maintain Thai art and culture in order to preseve the esscence of Thainess for future generations. In this way, the art collections should reflect the basis of Thai culture.
An artful sculpture of Ganesha (Phra Pikanet) a Hindu God in Thai culture*
Hence, the museum’s mission is to give Thai people and foreigners the opportunity to admire and appreciate Thai art and artists. In particular, Thai people of the younger generation should be strengthened in their love for the uniqueness of Thai culture. Thus, they can learn a lot about the artists’ inspirations and methods of creation in the museum.
These sculptures remind me of Thai court dolls, strengthening Thai people’s love for Thai culture at the MOCA*
The MOCA has five sections displayed on five different floors. Hence, the 1st floor has two halls in which the works of Prof. Chalood Nimsamer and Paitun Muangsomboon are displayed respectively. Both are National Artists of Sculpture.
Unusual sculptures and works of art at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Bangkok*
On the 2nd floor you find contemporary art of different themes and concepts such as social knowledge and Buddhism while on the 3rd floor there are creations displaying imagination in Thai contemporay art. For instance, there are works of the famous Thai National Artist Chakrabhand Posayakrit.
Displaying social knowledge and Buddhism in art, exhibition at MOCA*
The 4th floor harbours works of one of my favourite Thai artists – Thawan Duchanee. He is also a famous and remarkable National Artist in Thailand and is considered a modern Buddhist artist. What is more, the highlights on this floor are three gigantic contemporary paintings called “The Three Kingdoms-Heaven, Middle Earth, and Hell” created by the artists Sompop Budtarad, Panya Wijinthanasan and Prateep Kochbua.
The works of Thawan Duchanee. modern Buddhist artist*
The Three Kingdoms-Heaven, Middle Earth, and Hell at the MOCA*
Last but not least, the 5th floor is about international contemporary art and there are also paintings from the 19th century Romantic period of Queen Victoria.
International and Thai art at the MOCA attracts many foreign visitors*
Finally, we may say that the MOCA – Museum of Contemporay Art in Bangkok is a remarkable place created to preserve the display the essence of Thainess, Thai culture and art. Fore more information, I recommend you check out the museum’s website.
Yours, Sirinya
*all photos in this post, credit: Siwaphong Pakdeetawan, Instagram@knack66
