Discover Belief Interweave, an exhibition by Wuthigrai Siriphon, where nature meets craftsmanship. See how jewel beetle wings are woven into textiles, blending tradition with modern art. Inspired by Thai temples, this exhibit explores the connection between culture, faith and nature.

Rosewood Bangkok is currently hosting Belief Interweave, an art exhibition by textile artist Wuthigrai Siriphon. The display, which runs from 9 January to 9 April, invites visitors to experience a fusion of traditional weaving techniques and contemporary art.

Located at The Gallery in Rosewood Bangkok, the exhibition showcases Wuthigrai’s ability to transform the naturally iridescent wings of jewel beetles into works of art, enhancing their inherent beauty with layers of craftsmanship and adding cultural depth to their already stunning beauty.

The Art of Nature: Jewel Beetle Wings in Textile Craft

The artist was captivated by the beauty of jewel beetle wings, which have been used in various cultural crafts for centuries. These wings, with their reflective colours, have adorned clothing and jewellery worldwide, but Wuthigrai noticed they were never woven into textiles. Seeing this untapped potential, he set out to incorporate jewel beetle wings into his textile art. Through research and experimentation, he developed a way to craft these wings into fabric, creating a new artistic medium. Their shimmering effect paired with traditional weaving methods brings a modern perspective to the art of textiles.

Inspired by Thai Temple Architecture

Wuthigrai’s textile art doesn’t just reflect the physical beauty of jewel beetle wings; it also draws heavily from Thailand’s cultural and architectural elements. Thai temple architecture, with its intricate details and symbolic murals, has inspired his work. The colours and shapes found in sacred spaces are reimagined in his handwoven textiles. He explores the relationship between religion and craftsmanship, weaving together faith, culture and art.

Bringing Faith into the Fabric

Wuthigrai’s collection in Belief Interweave is also about the meaning behind the materials and techniques used. Through his art, he aims to express the intertwining of faith and culture. The jewel beetle wings represent the beauty of life, woven into fabric that carries the weight of tradition. He incorporates techniques inspired by ceremonial flags (tung) and manuscript wrappings, further enhancing the spiritual significance of his pieces. Each thread symbolises the past and present, creating a fabric rich in history and culture.

The artist’s work is not just a display of skill but also a reinvention of tradition. He blends ancient methods with modern materials. His use of jewel beetle wings as a medium is a prime example of this, as it combines nature’s beauty with human ingenuity. The results are textiles that honour traditional weaving methods while introducing a new layer of complexity.

Meet the Artist Behind the Art

Wuthigrai Siriphon’s background in textile art is both academic and practical. Born in 1988, he holds a BFA in Textile and Fashion Design from Thammasat University and furthered his studies in textiles at the Royal College of Art in the UK. He is currently an assistant professor at the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts at Thammasat University. Throughout his career, Wuthigrai has garnered international recognition for his work, and his dedication to preserving traditional crafts while innovating them continues to inspire new generations of artists.

A Collaboration with ATTA Gallery

The exhibition is presented in collaboration with ATTA Gallery, a space known for its dedication to promoting contemporary art jewellery and the materiality of art. ATTA, which means “self” or “individuality” in Pali, emphasises the importance of self-expression and authenticity in the art world. Since its inception in 2010, the gallery’s founder Atinuj Tantivit has been a leader in contemporary art, featuring the work of both local and international artists.

Belief Interweave will be on display at The Gallery, an exhibition space at Rosewood Bangkok to promote the arts, from 9 January to 9 April.

For those looking to deepen their understanding of the exhibition, guided tours are available every Sunday from 11am to 12pm, led by experts from ATTA Gallery.