Thai artist Pratchaya Charernsook wins UOB Painting of the Year award
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Thai artist Pratchaya Charernsook's winning artwork, Chumphon Estuary, is made from microplastics.
ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY
SINGAPORE – Thai artist Pratchaya Charernsook, 26, has won the 42nd UOB Southeast Asian Painting of the Year (POY) award, the second year in a row that a Thai artist has come out tops in the competition.
The win was announced at a ceremony at Victoria Theatre on Wednesday evening and via live stream on UOB’s YouTube channel.
Pratchaya says: “I’m glad that an issue I’m passionate about has gained the spotlight. Everyone will be more aware of the problems of microplastics because of this.”
Her winning work, Chumphon Estuary, depicts the environmental destruction caused by microplastics. The piece was made from microplastics she collected from beaches in her home town of Chumphon province.
She will receive $13,000 for winning the top prize and 750,000 baht (S$28,650) for the UOB Painting of the Year (Thailand) award.
The 2023 competition included artists from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and, for the first time, Vietnam.
Sponsored by United Overseas Bank, the award celebrated 23 artists in four categories across the five countries.
Mr Wee Ee Cheong, 70, UOB’s chief executive officer, says: “We have been active in connecting local communities with art in our regional markets. We will continue to do our part to strengthen the art ecosystem.”
Singapore Regional Painting of the Year winner Jeremy Hiah spent 20 years sketching different elements of his winning artwork, Gulliver’s Travels.
ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY
The Singapore winner of Regional Painting of the Year is Jeremy Hiah, whose artwork Gulliver’s Travels is drawn in pen ink. It is filled with little monsters, viruses and animals gathering around an invisible figure silhouetted by restraining ropes.
Hiah, 51, says he worked on the piece for more than 20 years. “I started on it when Sars began in 2001 and finished it this year. I’m glad I won, but it won’t stop me from creating more.”
Together with Pratchaya and four other POY country winners, Hiah will compete for a coveted one-month residency at Japan’s Fukuoka Asian Art Museum.
Stephy Chien’s piece, Commuting, depicts hundreds of motorcycles in a parking space shared by Singaporean and Malaysian commuters.
ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY
Stephy Chien is the Singapore winner of the Most Promising Artist of the Year award. Her vibrant piece, Commuting, depicts hundreds of motorcycles in a parking space shared by Singaporean and Malaysian commuters.
Chien, 20, says: “I lived in Malaysia and came here when I was five years old. Whenever I hear the sound of motorbikes, I am reminded of my grandparents coming home. I’m grateful that people feel for and like my artwork, that they recognise the effort I put into it.”
Mr Wee announced a five-year partnership with the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, providing art education and holistic support for three programmes – the UOB Nafa Artist Residence Programme, the UOB South-east Asian Arts Module, and the annual UOB-Nafa Southeast Asian Forum. UOB is also extending its Southeast Asia Gallery partnership with the National Gallery Singapore for another five years.
The chief judging panel comprised Singaporean curator Bridget Tracy Tan, Indonesian artist Melati Suryodarmo, Malaysian artist Bibi Chew, Thai artist Amrit Chusuwan and Vietnamese artist Luong Xuan Doan.
Of Chumphon Estuary, Amrit, 68, says: “Contemporary art is no longer about aesthetics, now it is important to think about how you’re helping the world.”
The Singapore Regional Winners’ artworks will be showcased at the National Gallery Singapore from Nov 23 to Jan 30.
