‘While I was sitting by the seashore trying to create a scenic view for my next exhibition, I couldn’t help but notice a stray dog with sad eyes sitting right in front of me. Its fur was covered with different colored paint, sprayed on by children having fun at the animal’s expense. As I stared, I felt sympathy for this poor dog. His emaciated body indicated that he hadn’t had a proper meal for a long time; the wounds on his skin suggested abuse over an extended period of time. Even after only a quick glance, my mind easily developed a long list of adjectives to describe this poor dog. However, as I continued to judge him, I suddenly wondered what was on his mind as he was looking back at me. Was he feeling pity or envy as he gazed at me? What were his thoughts? I wonder!’
This experience has inspired Vittaya to create this incredible collection.
Gossip Gallery on Sukhumvit 28 is pleased to announce the hosting of Vittaya Sudprasert’s latest contemporary art collection entitled ‘Looking Dog . . . Dog Looking . . . the Abandoned Beauty’. This latest creation will officially debut on Wednesday, December 17, 2008, and it will be available for public viewing through January 18, 2009.
One could say that Vittaya’s entire collection derived from just a single glance. These paintings depict more than the physical condition of the canine subjects. They portray each animal’s broken spirit. In Vittaya’s own words, ‘when I looked at these dogs, I really felt sorry for each of them. Some of them were beaten and badly injured or even crippled by an irresponsible human act resulting from a misguided attempt at fun. Some of them were frail and on the brink of death due to malnutrition.’
‘Imagine that . . . just a few years ago, these dogs were well-groomed with homes and owners who loved them. But one day, perhaps because they were old or their owners had moved on to new toys, they were tossed out into the street, like old rags, to fend for themselves’, Vittaya added.
The artist hopes that when the public learns the story behind ‘Looking Dog . . . Dog Looking . . . the Abandoned Beauty’, that this collection will serve as a reminder to everyone to think twice about the responsibility they assume before deciding to buy a dog, cat or any type of animal to be raised as a domestic pet. According to the artist, ‘these animals are more than just living creatures. They have feelings, soul and spirit. But most importantly, they are our companions. When somebody pinches you, you are hurt. In the same way, when you pinch or kick an animal, it also suffers pain. The stray dogs in my paintings represent beauty that has been forgotten and abandoned.’
Khun Ticha Chotchung, Managing Director of Gossip Gallery, says that ‘I was moved after hearing the story behind his collection from Khun Vittaya. As a pet owner and a dog lover myself, I understand the strong message that the collection delivers and can clearly see the way the paintings capture the beautiful spirit that these dogs once possessed.’
‘Looking Dog . . . Dog Looking . . . the Abandoned Beauty’ will be officially opened for public viewing on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. This superb collection by Vittaya Sudprasert will be introduced by Khun Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Chairperson of the Toshiba Thailand Co., Ltd. at 6:30 p.m. at the Gossip Gallery on Sukhumvit 28 (BTS: Prom Pong Station). Fellow artists, private collectors, and members of the general public are invited to join in the celebration of life and the spirit of the forgotten beauty.
All 25 acrylic paintings from ‘Looking Dog . . . Dog Looking . . . the Abandoned Beauty’ are also available for purchase. For more information on this majestic collection, please contact Khun Ticha Chotchung at (02) 258-6247 and (085) 166 5678 or Khun Chonticha Choochart at (081) 440-3896 or visit the Gallery’s website: gossipgallerybkk.com.
Email address:
[email protected].
The exhibition is open for viewing from Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Sunday viewings are by appointment only.
For more information on the press release,
Please contact Khun Chonticha Choochart at 02 637 7878 or (081) 440-3896
or Khun Vichai Lertritchai at (081) 871 4588
Click for photo release at www.thaipr.net