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I feel deeply proud to have the opportunity to interview Pradit Tangprasartwong as a gift to our readers in the final month of the year.
It has been nine years
that I have observed
his work winning major
national awards. Pradit
Tangprasartwong has
been recognized as an
Outstanding Artist in
the field of Painting,
known for his
expression of
Marana-sati
(Mindfulness of Death),
and has achieved awards
with unmatched mastery.
He was honored as the
24th Outstanding Artist
of Thailand, and the
10th in the field of
Painting in 2018 (B.E.
2561).
The National Exhibition
of Art is the
exhibition from
national art
competition that bears
the longest history in
Thailand. Silpakorn
University, under the
initiation of Professor
Silpa Bhirasri (Corrado
Feroci), organised the
first National
Exhibition of Art in
1949 to provide a space
for modern art
creativity in Thailand
and encourage artistic
expression.
Awards:
2018 (B.E. 2561) – First Prize (Gold Medal) in Painting, The 64th
National Exhibition of Art
2017 (B.E. 2560) – Grand Prize, 3rd Krung Thai Art Awards;
Second Prize (Silver Medal) in Painting, The 63rd National
Exhibition of Art
2016 (B.E. 2559) – Third Prize (Bronze Medal) in Painting, The
62nd National Exhibition of Art; First Prize, 2nd Krung Thai Art
Exhibition
2015 (B.E. 2558) – First Prize, 1st Krung Thai Art Awards
At that time, I asked whether he might grant me an interview, but
he replied humbly that he had already received so many awards
that he had nothing left to say — and politely declined.
In 2025 (B.E. 2568), I learned that he is still teaching at Silpakorn
University, and that at the end of 2026 (B.E. 2569), he plans a
major exhibition with a new and different concept.
Now that his health has improved, I greeted him again — and
finally received the long-awaited answer: “Yes, with pleasure.”
JY.
Please tell us about your background, education, and
inspiration for entering the art world..
PT.
Since childhood, I have always loved drawing and observing
art.
In any subject I studied, my notebooks were filled with drawings
— of my favorite cartoon characters or whatever caught my
attention — until the pages became messy, and teachers often
scolded me.
That must have been a natural gift, or perhaps a talent.
My family supported me to study at the College of Fine Arts, and
from there I learned the logic and reasoning behind creating art
— in both concept and technique — before continuing to study
Painting at Silpakorn University.
For my bachelor’s degree, I chose Sculpture; later, for my
master’s degree, I specialized in Painting.
During my training at the College of Fine Arts, I was weak in
portrait drawing, so I taught myself through observation —
studying the light, texture, and flesh tones of human faces.
This, combined with my background in sculpture, led to critiques
that my portraits today carry the qualities of a sculptor’s
perception.
Driven by my dream to become an artist, I explored ways to break
boundaries — transforming two-dimensional images into three
-dimensional installations that combined painting and sculpture.
About 30 years ago, this was something no one had attempted in
the Thai art scene.
My artistic journey evolved from depicting the lives of ordinary
people to creating painting installations.
At one point, I fell ill due to a chemical imbalance in the brain,
which led me to study and practice Buddhist teachings alongside
medical treatment.
Since then, I have integrated Buddhist philosophy into my art —
so that my artistic practice harmonizes with my spiritual path and
daily life.
My work now focuses primarily on Buddhist teachings expressed
through contemporary art.
JY.
What is your core philosophy or concept behind your art
creation?
PT.
I believe art is a profound discipline capable of expressing
thought and emotion more sharply than any other field.
Art can evoke deep emotional responses — and I have tested this
truth myself.
Therefore, I believe that artists should express feelings that
cannot be adequately spoken or written — that is what makes art
valuable.
In my perspective, everyone’s art — whether profound or simple
— is valid.
Each person creates from their own experience and taste.
As a teacher who has seen much art, I’ve learned to open my
mind to all eras of artistic expression — from the classics to
contemporary trends.
No one is wrong; art is a mirror of society, reflecting human life
both locally and globally.
My own artistic concept continues to evolve with my mind,
wisdom, and age — constantly crystallizing through experience.
Today, my art is closely intertwined with my daily spiritual
practice.
On one hand, I meditate and follow Buddhist principles; on the
other, I create art inspired by these same principles — expressing
truths that cannot be spoken but can be felt through art.
I work from the belief that art can express more than words —
conveying feelings that language cannot describe, especially the
teachings of the Buddha.
JY.
Please describe the artwork you are most proud of — its
concept, creation process, and meaning.
PT.
This work earned me the honor of being the 10th
Outstanding Painter and the 24th Outstanding Artist of Thailand.
It expresses the concept of Marana-sati (Mindfulness of Death) —
the ultimate truth taught by the Buddha before entering
Parinibbana (final nirvana).
I wanted to express not just the words, but the real emotions that
bring people closer to the truth.
We often feel pity for the dead, but few reflect on their own
mortality.
Death comes to all.
The work was inspired by my own experience of severe illness,
which brought me face-to-face with death.
I used real ashes and painted flames combined with the image of
an elderly person’s body, rendered in black, white, and flesh
tones, to depict the impermanence of life.
In the eyes, there is the reflection of a Buddha image — a symbol
of spiritual refuge.
The ashes and flames emphasize the burning impermanence of
life.
I wanted the piece to be easily understood, not overly symbolic —
to express the truth of death as simply and clearly as possible.
The combination of dark and flesh tones was painted
spontaneously, reflecting the emotional truth that life and death
can arise at any moment.
Using real ashes made the work feel even more visceral and
authentic.
JY.
In your view, what role or influence does art have in Thai
society and youth? Please also share about your teaching
experience.
PT.
Fundamentally, art records the mind, emotion, and thought
of its creator.
Thus, art acts as a mirror reflecting society, culture, wisdom, and
history — documenting the spirit of each era beyond the written
word.
The role and influence of art depend on the artist’s sense of social
responsibility — whether their art serves only personal
expression or contributes to the greater good.
True art uplifts the spirit, enhances beauty, and passes on
aesthetic values to society.
However, art also requires viewers — people who can appreciate
and interpret it deeply — as well as connectors such as
organizations, educators, and cultural promoters who help bridge
art and the public.
Only when these three elements — creator, viewer, and connector
— work together can art reach its full potential in elevating the
human spirit and enriching society.
JY.
What inspires you, and what advice would you give to young
artists?
PT.
My inspiration lies in the belief that art can cultivate the
human mind.
In Buddhism, art is considered a subtle form of desire (kilesa) —
but by engaging with this subtle desire, we distance ourselves
from coarse ones.
My art serves as both teaching and practice, shaping me and, I
hope, others as well.
To young artists:
You may create in any style or form — sharp, emotional, joyful, or
contemplative.
Art doesn’t have to be dramatic; it can be light, peaceful, and
simple.
You are never wrong as long as you are aware of your intent —
conscious of what you are creating and why.
Even rejecting rules must be done with awareness, logic, and
reason.
That self-awareness is the true essence of art.
Pradit Tangprasartwong
Outstanding Artist No. 24 (Painting No. 10)
Education
College of Fine Arts, Department of Fine Arts, Ladkrabang
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Sculpture), Faculty of Painting, Sculpture
and Graphic Arts, Silpakorn University
Master of Fine Arts (Painting), Faculty of Painting, Sculpture and
Graphic Arts, Silpakorn University
Career
Independent Artist
Guest Lecturer, Silpakorn University
Address:
277 Sriyan Soi 3, Nakorn Chaisri Rd., Dusit District,
Bangkok 10300
Contact:
085-224-3779 | aarne0436@gmail.com
Solo Exhibitions
2004 – Portraits of Life, Surapon Gallery
2004 – Talking to Her, 789 Gallery
2014 – Face to Face: Three Dimensions
2020 – On the Path of Life in Art, 333 Gallery
Group Exhibitions
2000 – Square Group Exhibition, Silom Galleria
2000 – Square Group Exhibition, Siam City Hotel
1998 – Two-Man Exhibition: Watercolor “Bangkok Relax”,
Neilson Hays Library, Silom
2007 – Reflections of Destiny, National Gallery, Chao Fa Rd.
Awards and Honors
2018 – Outstanding Artist No. 24 (Painting No. 10); First Prize
(Gold Medal), 64th National Art Exhibition
2017 – Grand Prize, 3rd Krung Thai Art Awards; Second Prize
(Silver Medal), 63rd National Art Exhibition
2016 – Third Prize (Bronze Medal), 62nd National Art
Exhibition; First Prize, 2nd Krung Thai Art Exhibition
2015 – First Prize, 1st Krung Thai Art Awards; Second Prize
(Krung Thai Support Award), 61st National Art Exhibition
2014 – Second Prize (Krung Thai Support Award), 60th National
Art Exhibition
2013 – Third Prize (Bronze Medal), 59th National Art Exhibition
2011 – Third Prize (Bronze Medal), 57th National Art Exhibition
2007 – Outstanding Thai Artist Award, Silpa Bhirasri Grant No. 7
2004 – Third Prize, 6th Panasonic Contemporary Art
Competition; Second Prize (Silver Medal), 50th National Art
Exhibition
2003 – Second Prize (Silver Medal), 49th National Art Exhibition
2002 – First Prize (Gold Medal), 48th National Art Exhibition;
First Prize, 4th Panasonic Contemporary Painting Competition;
Second Prize, Royal Celebration Painting Competition, ICC
International PCL
2001 – Excellence Award, Sriracha Oil Painting Contest,
Chonburi; Certificate of Merit, Philip Morris Art Exhibition
1999 – Certificate of Merit, Philip Morris Art Exhibition
1994 – Special Award, 5th Toshiba Art Exhibition;
First Prize, Cooperative League of Thailand Poster Competition
Third Prize, “Environment & Hope” Painting Contest by Turbora
Co.
Consolation Prize, Government Savings Bank Lottery Design
Contest
First Prize, Metropolitan Electricity Authority Poster Design
Contest
Certificate of Merit, Philip Morris Art Exhibition
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