'A Path to Enlightenment' . . . the Art of Dharma' art exhibition from now until 27 Feb. 2010

A Path to Enlightenment . . .
the Art of Dharma
by Komkrit Sawatdirom & Paramat Lueng-on
Gossip Gallery @Silom Galleria
From now until February 27th, 2010
‘You can do your own work, for I can teach only the way.’
Dhammapada

After having sponsored several relatively frantic events in 2009, Gossip Gallery @Silom Galleria plans to start off the New Year with an exhibition that promises to focus on the serene and spiritual. Entitled ‘A Path to Enlightenment’ . . . the Art of Dharma, this exhibition will artistically focus on the true philosophy behind the Lord Buddha’s teachings. It will feature the paintings of two award winning, contemporary, Thai painters, Komkrit Sawatdirom and Paramat Lueng-on.

from Enlightenment . . .
From now until February 3rd, 2010
By Komkrit Sawatdirom

The exhibition at the Gossip Gallery will be divided into two parts. The first part, ‘Enlightenment’, will feature 17 acrylic paintings by Komkrit Sawatdirom. The roots of the artist’s inspiration are the basic teachings of the Lord Buddha which stress that our life experiences are a series of opposites – happiness and disappointment, birth and death, etc. - which go hand in hand. The Lord Buddha once said ‘No one can escape death and unhappiness. If people expect only happiness in life, they will be disappointed.’ Since such contrasting experiences are a necessary part of our lives, the artist feels that to make the most of our existence, we should accept and embrace the good with the bad. He believes that our everyday problems can be overcome if the basic principles of morality and virtue are taken into consideration. To highlight this concept, Khun Komkrit has symbolically incorporated pure, gold leaves into some of his work. Critics have called the results are phenomenal and truly exquisite. ‘Enlightenment’ by Komkrit Sawatdirom will be on viewed from now until February 3rd.
. . . to Wisdom
February 5th – 27th, 2010
by Paramat Lueng-on

Following a theme similar to Khun Komkrit, Paramat Lueng-on illustrates the principles of ‘Wisdom’ as preached by the Lord Buddha in his collection which consists of eight acrylic paintings. Since the Lord Buddha’s teachings emphasize that life is represented by a series of contracts, the obvious conclusion that follows is that suffering is also a part of our lives. This fact cannot be denied, but the impact can be minimized if wisdom is employed. The Lord Buddha once said that ‘the path to end suffering is known as the middle way.’ Inspired by this philosophy, Khun Paramat utilizes tranquil but compelling colors in his works in an attempt to minimize the impact of suffering and create his ‘middle way’. The second part of the exhibition, ‘Wisdom’ by Paramat Lueng-on, will be exhibited from February 5th to 27th, 2010.

Khun Siripa Chotchung, managing director of Gossip Gallery describes her motivation in sponsoring this exhibition: ‘Given the generally depressing events that have occurred in 2009, I decided to do something for the public that is comparatively uplifting, that will hopefully serve as a source of hope to at least some of the people who view it. The exhibition by these two talented artists will certainly demonstrate the true beauty of Thai art. But I hope that viewers will also be impressed by the way they have incorporated the basic teaching of the Lord Buddha into their exceptional collections. To further emphasize the link to Buddhism, from now to February 27th, 2010; Gossip Gallery will essentially become a ‘Buddhist temple’. Besides the exquisite painting of our exhibiting artists, the general public will have a chance to pay homage to a replica of Phra Phuttha Chinnarath, a well-known Buddha statue from Phitsanulok era.’ (This replica of Phra Phutta Chinnarath, provided by Laemthong Amulet Center @ 3rd Floor, Silom Galleria, is considered rare and priceless.)

All paintings from ‘A Path to Enlightenment’ . . . the Art of Dharma exhibition are available for purchase. Interested collectors or anyone who would like more information on these amazing contemporary works of art by Komkrit Sawatdirom and Paramat Lueng-on, should contact Khun Siripa Chotchung at (02) 237-5568 and (089) 812-2589 or Khun Chonticha Choochart at (081) 440-3896 or visit the Gallery’s website: www.gossipgallerybkk72.com. Email address: gossipgallery@gmail.com. Gossip Gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Sunday viewings are by appointment only.