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How Thai artist Thawan Duchanee became a cultural icon and financial powerhouse, with record-breaking auction sales.
Thawan Duchanee’s journey from a struggling art student to a globally-recognised artist is nothing short of inspiring. In 2023, his works dominated the auction market, with staggering sales figures that highlight the value of Thai contemporary art on the global stage.
Thawan Duchanee in 2013 Photo: Courtesy of Artnet and The Nation Multimedia
Auction Success: Turning Art into a Financial Empire
By 2023, Thawan’s art had gained critical acclaim and achieved commercial success on an unprecedented scale. His works became highly sought after in auction markets, where they commanded impressive prices. In the same year, Thawan’s work reached an astonishing turnover rate of 63 million baht, making him the Thai artist with the highest turnover rate. The standout sale was his 1968 painting “Scream of Sorrowful,” which fetched a net price of 26,687,360 baht at Christie’s 20th/21st Century Art Evening Sale in Hong Kong. This sale set a new benchmark for Thai modern art and underscored the recognition of Southeast Asian art in the global market.
Scream of Sorrowful Photo: Courtesy of Christie’s
Thawan’s Legacy: Black House (Baan Dam)
Thawan’s influence extends beyond his auction success. His architectural masterpiece, the Black House (Baan Dam), is a sprawling art complex that showcases his talents in architecture, sculpture, and painting. The Black House has become a cultural landmark in Thailand, attracting visitors from around the world who come to experience the artist’s vision.
Thawan’s legacy is preserved in his art and also through his son, Doytibet Duchanee. Doytibet has taken up the mantle of preserving and promoting his father’s work. In his words,
“I started working … in Grade 3, carrying seasonal preserved fruits to school to sell and helping my father with whatever he instructed. My father paid attention to every detail, just like every piece of art he created. From as far back as I can remember, I have never seen my father stop working or stop doing things for others. After his passing, he left a cultural legacy, and I’ve taken on the responsibility to carry it forward.”
Doytibet’s dedication to his father’s legacy is evident in his work with the Baan Dam Arts Space and L’Artisan Company, which he founded in 2007. He continues to promote his father’s work, ensuring that future generations can appreciate Thawan’s contributions to the art world. He’s currently preparing for a significant event, the 10th anniversary of Thawan’s passing.
The exhibition which will be hosted on the 5th Floor of Siam Paragon will serve as a special showcase launching the Thailand Art & Culture Expo 2025. Titled “La grotta dell’arte leggendario Thawan Duchanee,” this event offers an opportunity to explore the art of Thawan, the visionary behind Baan Dam, his artistic kingdom. The exhibition will be open from September 20 to October 31, 2024. The soft opening is scheduled for Friday, September 20, 2024, with the grand opening taking place on Friday, September 27, 2024, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of Thawan Duchanee’s passing.
Humble Beginnings
Born in Chiang Rai on September 27, 1939, Thawan’s early years were marked by a deep love for Buddhism, which later influenced much of his work. His formal training began at Poh-Chang Academy of Arts under a scholarship from the Ministry of Education of Thailand. By 1958, Thawan had enrolled at Silpakorn University, studying under the legendary Italian-born Thai sculptor Silpa Bhirasri, the father of modern Thai art.
During his time at Silpakorn University, Thawan faced one of his most significant challenges. Founder Silpa Bhirasri famously criticised Thawan’s work, saying,
“Your fish have no fishy smell, your birds can’t fly, and your horses can’t be ridden. You are just a copier, not an actual artist.”
While harsh, these words ignited a fire in Thawan. He realised that to stand out, he had to go beyond replication. He had to innovate.
Art with Buddhist Influence
Thawan began to explore themes deeply rooted in Thai culture, mythology, and Buddhism. His reinterpretations of traditional Buddhist motifs set him apart. A notable example is his reinterpretation of the Ramayana characters, which he presented in his own style, defying traditional representations.
For Thawan, art was more than a reflection of nature; it was a manifestation of human intellect and creativity. This approach resonated with art enthusiasts in Thailand and internationally, earning him a reputation as one of the most innovative artists in the contemporary Thai art scene.
As Doytibet continues to preserve his father’s legacy, Thawan’s influence on the world of art and culture shows no signs of fading. His record-breaking auction sales in 2023 are just one chapter in a story that continues to inspire artists, collectors, and art lovers around the world. Thawan Duchanee will always be remembered as an artist who turned his passion into a legacy, both culturally and financially.
