Flavours

Flavours, offers a tantalising taste of Thailand's vibrant burgeoning contemporary art scene, from the end of the last century to the dawn of a new millennium. While the international image of Thailand as a tropical playground, rich in history and traditional heritage, has been widely publicised through exotic images in the media, little is still known about the human face of modern Thai society.

The last decade has seen significant changes in the South East Asian Kingdom - economically, politically, environmentally, and culturally. Barometers on the dramatic upheaval, Thai artists are attempting to make sense of the country's rapid modernisation. Their art assumes a diverse array of media, often melding international art trends with distinctly Thai craftsmanship. Increasingly, Thai artists are garnering plaudits at biennials and triennials, Asian showcases and solo exhibitions abroad.

The book begins with an extensive overview of recent developments, highlighting particular issues, trends, and events that have played a role in shaping the art of today. It also features career profiles of 23 of the country's established and emerging young artists, with thematic descriptions, more than 80 colour illustrations, and revealing insights from the artists themselves.

With so little currently published upon the swift progression in Thai art, author Steven Pettifor provides us with a clear and concise assessment of the present artistic climate. A keen observer of Thai art's growing international accreditation, he writes with direct and accessible language.