Krabi’s acclaimed Rayavadee resort and spa is hosting a unique exhibition, called Arcade of the Arts: Past & Present, that brings together a selection of antique and contemporary Thai art objects for the first time. The exhibition is held in the resort’s exclusive gallery boutique (pictured above) and showcases a wide range of exquisite objects, representing the very best of regional craft traditions and design ingenuity. The exhibition is on display now through February 28, 2010.
Exhibition objects vary between those created by highly-skilled traditional artisans to one-of-a-kind pieces from young up-and-coming designers and fine art pieces from internationally-acclaimed design houses. Values such as respect for tradition, pride in cultural heritage and sensitivity to detail have been passed down through generations of Thai artists and are reflected in each piece on display.
The spirit of the past is represented by a number of rare antiques from the collections of two of Thailand’s most formidable collectors, Neold Collection and Lamont. Neold’s offerings include gilt and lacquered religious objects such as votive tablets, lacquered scripture books and ceremonial items, as well as simple household items including intricately carved silk weaving implements and antique pottery. Alexander Lamont, a highly acclaimed international designer, famous for finely-crafted contemporary pieces with inspiration rooted firmly in the timeless traditions of the past, offers a selection of rare treasures from his collection that include antique sculpture and Buddhist art.
The present is seen in Thailand’s thriving contemporary art and design movement and celebrated in the work of a diverse group of modern Thai artists, such as jewelry designers Jogema and Saprang. Pieces from Jogema’s latest ‘Checkmate’ collection are on offer, combining the designer’s sense of whimsical fun with a respect for fine craftsmanship that highlights the beauty of gold and black rhodium with Swarovski crystals.
Vichada Sitakalin – Rayavadee’s design director and the creative force behind the resort’s unique style and design sensibility – describes the exhibition as a celebration of the links between the past and the present, saying, “Rayavadee’s boutique has always offered the very finest examples of contemporary art and design objects from around the region. More often than not, these items have strong ties to past artistic traditions. We thought that juxtaposing objects from the past with those being produced in the present would be interesting and help to highlight the continuity and shared values of craftspeople who came before with those working today.”
The Rayavadee boutique collection reflects Sitakalin’s love of colors and textures inspired by the resort’s natural surroundings and is a virtual treasure trove of more than two thousand items including beautifully woven textiles, lacquerware, home decorative items, clothing and jewelry.
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The boutique and exhibition are open daily from 8:00 a.m. through 8:00 p.m.
www.rayavadee.com
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