“Hope on the Ruins No. 3” wins Thailand’s fourth UOB Painting of the Year Competition

Bangkok, 6 November 2013 ฤ United Overseas Bank (Thai) PCL today announced the winners of its fourth UOB Painting of the Year competition.  This year’s winning pieces reflect contemporary Thai society through various painting media and techniques.

Thailand’s UOB Painting of the Year prize, the top honour of the competition, was awarded to Mr. Aphiphol Techamangkhalanon for his detailed piece of a shrine glimmering from within a dark city.  To the artist, the shrine symbolises society’s virtue and its ability to withstand the test of time. 

On winning the award, Mr Aphiphol said, “It is a great honour for me to receive the award. I would like to thank UOB (Thai) for their continued support of Thai artists.”

Mr. Sanchai Apisaksirikul, Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Services, UOB (Thai), said, “This is the fourth year that UOB (Thai) has organised the competition. We are proud to continue supporting artists who have a passion in, and talent for, painting. It is our hope that the competition and exhibition will raise the profile of Thai artists with audiences across Southeast Asia.” 
In addition to the top prize of the UOB Painting of the Year Award, three other prizes were awarded in the Established Artist Category as follows:

The Gold Award went to “Hell of the Thirsty Demons” by Mr. Kittisak Thapkoa. The painting explores how Buddhism teaches people to do good deeds and that people’s actions have consequences.

The Silver Award went to “City People (Trapped in the Rain)” by Mr. Saitle Ngaorsai. The painting is a reflection on contemporary life and social challenges.

The Bronze Award went to “The Array of Lights” by Mr. Boonsri Charoenying. It showcases the balance of nature through light and shadows.

The winners in Emerging Artist Category are as follows:

The Most Promising Artist of the Year is Ms. Thitiprom On-pium for the “Veneration of the Dead”. The painting was inspired by the tradition of family members reuniting to pay their respects to their ancestors.

The Gold Award went to “Reflection No. 2” by Mr. Kripol Kittisirot. The painting is inspired by the artist’s views on the changing human temperament. 

The Silver Award went to “Untitled” by

Mr. Nattanon Baiphowongse. Inspired by nature, the artist uses layers of light, shadows and water ripples to create a sense of movement.

The Bronze Award went to “The Babbling Space No.2” by Mr. Makara Chanharutai. The painting makes a statement on materialism and the Buddha’s teaching that nothing is permanent.

The first prize winner in the Established Artist category, Mr. Aphiphol Techamangkhalanon will receive THB 750,000.  Mr. Aphiphol’s work will be considered for the Southeast Asian Painting of the Year prize. He will also stand a chance to participate in a residency programme at the prestigious Fukuoka Asian Art Museum in Japan.

The winner of the Emerging Artist category, Ms. Thitiprom On-pium, will receive THB 90,000.

All the winning pieces will be exhibited at the fourth UOB Painting of the Year Exhibition which will be held at the National Gallery from 6 November 2013 to 10 November 2013.

Winners of the UOB Painting of the Year award from each country will have their work exhibited in Singapore from 26 November 2013 – 7 December 2013 at the 73-12 Gallery.

November 6, 2013
For More information, please contact
Brand Performance & Corporate Communications,
United Overseas Bank (Thai) Pcl.
Utanee Sulyabhongse Tel. 0-2343-4963
or Nion Masrungrong Tel. 0-2343-4972