Compassion in Adversity

1. La Lanta Fine Art is pleased to announce a new solo exhibition by renowned contemporary Thai artist, Jirapat Tatsanasomboon, whose work pivots on a discourse of traditional versus modern cultures.

In the exhibition “Compassion in Adversity,” Jirapat continues to address the contradictions in cultural beliefs and traditions of the East and West.  He calls attention to current issues in society commenting on politics, consumerism, gender inequality and social injustice.

Out of eight paintings in the exhibition, five were created pre-pandemic in 2019.  Drawing aesthetic parallels with the elegance of Thai mural paintings, Jirapat deviates from tradition with a Western iconography referencing artwork by Sandro Botticelli from the Renaissance period, Francoise Gerard from Neoclassism, Magritte of the modern period, graffiti art by Keith Haring, as well as bold contemporary art by Yayoi Kusama, and Takashi Murakami.

The three most recent paintings were created in 2020 during the time of the pandemic and the government lockdown.  Critically, Jirapat witnesses the upheaval of liberal congregation against the nationalist government in his country, the Western protest of black injustice, and the closure of cultural institutions as funding declines.  The adversity of the current time is narrated with mythical figures and a liberal young person with face protection symbolizing the military government regime.