Created in partnership with Bangkok gallery La Lanta Fine Art and CODE studio, the exhibition, Flowers, River & Possibilities, uses the theme of flowers to spotlight the distinctive enclaves that extend along the length of the city's majestic Chao Phraya River. The installation was introduced with an opening reception in the Lobby of The Peninsula Bangkok on 5 October, at 6 pm; the event included a special performance by Dr. Sirithorn Srichalakom, a dance and multimedia artist and former Artist in Residence.
About the Installation
On view until November 24, Flowers, River & Possibilities comprises three components. The most immediately striking of these is Mr. Intakul's series of 12 large art sculpturer, in collaboration with CODE studio, which adorn The Peninsula Bangkok's Lobby and its indoor public area. Each sculpture, set atop its own plinth, depicts a single, fantastically shaped flower blossom which has been inspired by, and created with materials from, a different Bangkok district or community. For example, the sculpture paying tribute to the Pahurat Market, known as Thailand's Little India, incorporates the beautiful fabrics for which the area's textile artisans are known.
Also on display in the Lobby are a collection of enchanting, vividly coloured floral paintings, which Mr. Intakul originally created in collaboration with La Lanta Fine Art. Visitors taking a meal, or Afternoon Tea, at The Lobby restaurant will also find their dining tables graced with yet more floral artworks from Mr. Intakul: delicate miniature flowers sculpted in bronze and used as centrepieces.
All the exhibited artworks invite viewers to cultivate a deeper understanding of Bangkok's unique and vivid communities. The works also emphasize the important role that flowers play in Thai tradition and culture. From the flower garlands offered daily at shrines and temples to the elaborate floral displays created for festivals and royal ceremonies, flowers are a colourful and enchanting part of everyday life in neighbourhoods throughout Bangkok.
About the Artist
Sakul Intakul is renowned for conveying spiritual ideas through plant and floral installations, which possess distinctively sculptural qualities. His accolades have included numerous royal commissions from Her Majesty Queen Sirikit between 2000 and 2010, for royal events both local and abroad as well as state banquets at the Grand Palace. He has published 10 books on floral art and flower-inspired topics.; and in 2012, he founded The Museum of Floral Culture, Thailand's first institution of floral art. He was the Museum's executive director until its closure in 2022.
Sakul earned an engineering degree from King Mongkut Institute of Technology. He lives and works in Bangkok, Thailand.
About the Artist in Residence Programme
Since its founding, The Peninsula Hotels has been committed to promoting the rich and vibrant cultural aspects of the destination cities in which its properties reside. In part, the company pursues this aim by hosting a regularly-rotating cast of acclaimed regional artists - Artists in Residence - to engage with guests at each of its hotels around the world.
Located in one of the world's most exciting artistic hubs, The Peninsula Bangkok has been delighted to host numerous local Artists in Residence - including illustrator and graphic designer Pichaya Osothcharoenpol, poet and author Chiranun Pitpreecha, and multimedia and dance artist Dr. Sirithorn Srichalakom.
Throughout 2023, the hotel has embraced the overarching themes of diversity and inclusion - "The Beauty of Diversity" - in all its Artist in Residence installations.
About The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH):
Incorporated in 1866 and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (00045), The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited is the holding company of a Group which is engaged in the ownership, development, and management of prestigious hotels and commercial and residential properties in key locations in Asia, the United States and Europe, as well as the provision of tourism and leisure, club management and other services. The Peninsula Hotels portfolio comprises The Peninsula Hong Kong, The Peninsula Shanghai, The Peninsula Beijing, The Peninsula Tokyo, The Peninsula New York, The Peninsula Chicago, The Peninsula Beverly Hills, The Peninsula London, The Peninsula Paris, The Peninsula Istanbul, The Peninsula Bangkok and The Peninsula Manila. The property portfolio of the Group includes The Repulse Bay Complex, The Peak Tower and St. John's Building in Hong Kong; The Landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and 21 avenue Kleber in Paris, France. The clubs and services portfolio of the Group includes The Peak Tram in Hong Kong; Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel, California; Peninsula Clubs and Consultancy Services, Peninsula Merchandising, and Tai Pan Laundry in Hong Kong.
About La Lanta Fine Art
'Lalanta' is translated from the Thai word meaning 'beauty in abundance'.
Since its inception in 2006, La Lanta Fine Art has become one of the most successful galleries in the country with strong presence in international art fairs in major cities including Singapore, Hong Kong, London, New York, Miami, and Basel. The gallery offers contemporary artworks by internationally acclaimed artists. The gallery also exhibits work by up-and-coming artists.
About Cultural Oriented Design Studio (CODE)
CODE Studio; Cultural-Oriented Design Studio is a design studio that strives to create spaces, design objects and architecture that authentically reflect and celebrate cultures emphasizing the context of individuals or the common.
Source: The Peninsula Bangkok
