LIKE his nickname, the paintings by Thai artist Bomb feature an “explosion” of patterns and effects that invite viewers for a closer look to admire their textures and step back to ponder the overall meaning.
“Bomb is also related to my paintings in a way, as I was inspired by the Big Bang Theory of how the universe started and what galaxies may look like as a result of that, ” said the 29-year-old, whose real name is Sittiphon Lochaisong.
“I’ve always been curious about space and the universe and enjoyed watching documentaries on them.
“I find it fascinating that each planet has its own unique surfaces and textures, that there are planets and stars of various sizes and complexities, and just the vastness of the universe.”
Bomb translated his fascination into 16 paintings that are on display at his second solo exhibition called Characteristics of Time at G13 Gallery, Kelana Jaya.
“The artworks also represent the mysterious nature of existence — the good and bad, happy and sad, what we can and can’t understand or control, ” said the Masters of Fine Arts degree holder from Silpakorn University, Thailand.
Sittiphon has translated his fascination for space and the universe into 16 works of art that are on display at his ‘Characteristics of Time’ exhibition. — Photos: SAM THAM/The Star and courtesy of G13 Gallery
“It’s about two universes — the idealistic and realistic — meeting on a single canvas.”
Bomb uses the tempera powder on canvas method for his artworks, saying the results are quite different from the sketches he usually starts with.
“It is up to the audience how they want to interpret my paintings, ” said the artist from Maha Sarakham in northeastern Thailand.
“I’ve had people telling me they look like the landscape view from an aeroplane, a microscopic view of body cells and even hidden faces.”
On how he got his nickname, Bomb laughingly explained that it was something his mother’s family members suggested after hearing it mentioned over the radio though they did not understand its meaning.
Bomb plans to focus on a full-time career as an artist after he completes his military service conscription in two months’ time.
“It’s been a challenge to juggle military training and painting. I paint when I have some free time or on holiday, ” said Bomb, who is attached to the military’s artillery section.
“The training has benefited me in several ways, such as turning me into a fitter person and making me realise what I want to do.
“After this, I want to focus on refining my artistic skills and experimenting with more colours in my paintings.”
Bomb had his first solo exhibition at Fondazione Mudima in Milan Italy in 2017, and has
participated in various exhibitions and biennales in Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, Monaco and Thailand.
G13 Gallery owner Kenny Teng noted that Bomb’s abstract artworks differ from other Thai artists, who Teng said traditionally preferred the figurative or realism styles.
“Bomb has a busy year ahead, as he will be participating in two art fairs slated for April in Jakarta, Indonesia and May in Busan, South Korea.
“He has also been accepted for a three-month residency programme at Rimbun Dahan in Selangor, ” said Teng.
Characteristics of Time is going on until Feb 29 at G13 Gallery, GL13, Ground Floor, Block B, Kelana Square, Jalan SS7/26, Petaling Jaya.
The gallery is open to the public from 11am to 5pm daily, except on Sundays and public holidays.
For details, call 03-7880 0991 or visit www.g13gallery.com
