His Serene Highness Prince Karawik Chakrabandhu and Modern Art in Thailand

Abstract

This article studied the role of His Serene Highness Prince Karawik Chakrabandhu in the field of modern art in Thailand focusing on art education, artwork creation, as well as other roles in the art society. It was found that H.S.H Karawik played a major role in the creative arts, being a patron of Thai art from 1947 to 1987. He devoted his time to study and create paintings seriously and continuously. In particular, he was an excellent watercolor painter and his artworks won many awards in National art exhibitions, and were recognized by the art society. Most of his watercolor paintings were landscapes, cityscapes, seascapes, temple fairs, festivals, and drawing, both portraits and impressionism. As a patron of the arts, he was invited to be a chairperson and a judge of various art competitions of the government and private sectors. He was also an executive of several art organizations such as the International Association of Art, Bhirasri Institute of Modern Art Foundation and the Photographic Association of Thailand. His roles in these organizations encouraged and supported the progress of the modern art society. It could be said that H.S.H> Karawik Chakrabandhu was one of the elites who had a key role in creative art and a patron who affiliated with the Thai modern art society.