Travel Advice
Museum of Contemporary Art - MOCA
It has now become summer in Thailand. If you don’t know where to go, I would like to recommend somewhere with a cool and relaxing atmosphere surrounded my artworks at MOCA BANGKOK
This museum has a collection of interesting Thai art. It was built on a long cultural root and art knowledge at the international level of Prof.Silpa Bhirasri, a sculptor from Florence, Italy. This makes Thai contemporary art become accepted in the international level making Thailand known as a civilized country.
The art works presented in this museum are visual art made by artists in different generations. Each of them is considered as masterpiece which can convey strong determination of Thai artists in conserving Thai identity.
This Museum of Contemporary Art was established to glorify and express gratitude towards His Majesty the King and to honor Prof.Silpa Bhirasri, the father of Thai Contemporary Art.
Entering into the first room, it is an exhibition to honor Prof.Silpa Bhirasri. With very high ceiling, this room gives a sense of grandeur, which is too beautiful to be put into words. A statue of Prof.Silpa Bhirasri is situated in this room with an inscription on the high wall that “Ars Longa, vita brevis” or Art is long, life is short, which was his saying while he was alive. With the sunlight shining through the holes in the ceiling reflected by granite floor, this room has a very beautiful and impressive sight.
After that, take a look at each artwork to consume the art in many paintings and sculptures all produced by Thai artists which are rare. For example, Thai Applied Art room with artworks regarding sociology and philosophy made by new and old artists such as Chaloemchai Kositpipat and “Dream and Imaginary Art” room. Also, there is Khun Chang – Khun Paen exhibition room with the works of Hem Vejakorn and Sukee Somngoen. On the 4th floor, there are various styles of art by a great artist of the age, Thawan Duchanee. Next are the Red and Black rooms where every visitor will feel the energy of feelings that surge through the imagination.
After that is a bridge crossing the universe which is a dark tunnel decorated with shiny starlight leading to a bright gate into Tribhumi room. Here, there are 3 huge paintings of 7 meter high telling stories about heaven, earth, and hell for everyone to ponder and interpret the meaning depending on each person’s view. Finally, on the 5th floor is an exhibition of contemporary art from all over the world including those of Romantic style in Victorian age dated back for more than 200 years ago which are rare in Thailand. Comparing to Thai art, it makes me proud that Thai art is also beautiful and unique, not inferior to any countries.
After enjoyably walking for 2 hours throughout 5 stories, I started to feel pain in my feet so I decided to take a rest at a coffee shop to sip coffee and let go of the feelings before returning to real life.
