A double-edged view of the cultural invasion of Thailand
Mickey the Monkey? Jirapat gives Micky Mouse the facial characteristics of Hanuman, the comic monkey god from the Ramakien.
Thailand has always been a sponge, soaking up outside influences. Watch Thai TV any day and and you’ll see ads full of references to Western culture and, to a growing extent, Japanese and Korean influences.
It’s not always a happy relationship – many Thais don’t like what they see as the erosion of Thai traditions – and it can be quite jarring at times, as demonstrated by artist Jirapat Tatsanasomboon, whose work is now on display at D Gallery in the Royal Phuket Marina.
This highly skilled painter, working in acrylics, drops Western cartoon icons such as Spiderman or Bugs Bunny, or Japanese ones such as Doraemon, into traditional Thai settings, setting off reactions that are at both hilarious and thought-provoking.
Doh! Horrified Thais hide as Homer Simpson strides through their ancient town (detail).
Rich in detail, with dozens of subtle cultural hints, each of the paintings offers hours of delight and cerebral stimulation.
Jirapat, who is 38, holds a master’s degree from Silpakorn University in Bangkok, the country’s top art college, and has had wok exhibited in Korea, Hong Kong, the US, Singapore, China and India as well as Thailand. The show at D Gallery will continue until January 31.
See the gallery website for more information.
