Chulalongkorn University Museum: Bodies of Knowledge to the People

In the fiscal year 2023, Chulalongkorn University Museum offered three categories of exhibitions, all with no admission fee: 1) exhibitions on important occasions to offer new bodies of knowledge, build new, and develop the existing, national and international networks; 2) exhibitions to honor nationally-recognized artists and faculty members who have contributed to the country and the global society; and 3) exhibitions to promote and disseminate educational products of students and faculty members.

1) Exhibitions on Important Occasions to Offer New Bodies of Knowledge, Build new, and Develop the existing, National and International Networks

(1.1) An exhibition, The 150th Anniversary of the Young H.M. King Chulalongkorn’s Visit to India, through a collaboration between Department of International Relations, Faculty of Political Science, South Asian Studies Center, South Asian Studies, and Indian Studies Center of Chulalongkorn University. The exhibition was held during November 9 to December 9, 2022, to present King Chulalongkorn’s vision and his successful efforts in modernizing Thailand. It is to commemorate, and at the same time, educate the public on His royal works and dedication for the Thai people. The exhibition was presented in three parts: 1) The Reasons for the Visit to India; 2) The Manifest and Routes; and 3) The Outcome. These three parts altogether help the attendees understand the political context of Siam (the former name of Thailand) during the early years of King Chulalongkorn’s reign and the development of the Siam in relation to that of the world. To view the virtual version of this exhibition, click.

(1.2) “The Moon” Exhibition

“The Moon”
You and I are Looking at the Same Moon

The Moon is an exhibition to celebrate the relationship between Thailand and People’s Republic of China during the Moon Festival through Thai and Chinese photographers’ lenses and perspectives on the beauty of the moon and the two nations’ common cultures and traditions related to the moon, including its roles and stories in astrology. The exhibition, held during August 26 to October 7, 2022, was a collaboration of China Cultural Center in Bangkok, Confucius Institute at Chulalongkorn University, and Chinese Section, Department of Eastern Languages, Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University. To view the virtual version of this exhibition, click.

(2) Exhibitions to Honor Nationally-Recognized Artists and Faculty Members Who Have Contributed to the Country and the Global Society

(2.1) “Continue, Create, Coach” exhibition to honor Associate Professor Dr. Pinyo Suwankiri, an architect and National Artist of Visual Art (Architecture) who has devoted to Thai architecture for more than 50 years. He is an avid conservator, creator, and teacher of Thai architecture who has brought much recognition in the area to Chulalongkorn University and contributed tremendously to the Thai society. The examples of his works include Two Kings Monument and the Thai House on Chulalongkorn University campus, and his active involvement in designing the Thai elements in Sappaya-Sapasathan, the new Thai Parliament Building.

Division of Museum and Art Gallery and Thai Architecture, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture organized this exhibition to honor and disseminate Dr. Suwankiri’s works both inside and outside Thailand, and at the same time, showing the art and wisdom of Thai architecture to educate the public. The exhibition was shown from November 10, 2022 to March 3, 2023.
To view the virtual version of the exhibition, click.
To view a video on Dr. Suwankiri, click.

(2.2) “Paper, Voice, and Letters” is an exhibition of miscellaneous stories and items of Professor Tongthong Chandransu, a widely known for his vast knowledge of history, laws, chronicles, art and culture, and other areas.

The curator curated professor Chandransu’s articles and miscellaneous writings from books, television show scripts, and his perspectives on current social issues and other world knowledge on social media. Interviews on his life experience from childhood up until present days, and humor are also included in the exhibition held during March 24-June 21, 2023. To view the video, click.

(3) Exhibitions to Promote and Disseminate Educational Products of Students and Faculty Members

(3.1) “Those Very Instances” is an exhibition of artworks using etching printmaking techniques by Assistant Professor Surachai Ekphalakorn, Department of Virtual Arts, Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Chulalongkorn University. The artworks are results of experiments on developing an alternative process with considerations on work safety, reduction of usage of chemicals and materials that are potentially hazardous to the environment. The exhibition was offered during December 26, 2022 to January 26, 2023. For E-Catalogue, click.

(3.2) “Hidden Gems” Ceramic Design and Decoration: Innovation from Fish Sauce is an exhibition of works by Associate Professor Sukumarl Sarakasetrin, Creative Crafts, Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Chulalongkorn University. Fish sauce, a staple condiment in Thai food, was studied and developed as part of the paints used to create art on ceramics. This is not only an innovation, but also a new body of knowledge for the country, in which can help reduce the cost, energy and process of ceramic making, and potentially contribute to sustainable art development. The exhibition was offered during March 9-31, 2023. For E-Catalogue, click.

(3.3) Office of Art and Culture, in collaboration with Chulalongkorn University Demonstration Elementary School, organized the 9th Art Exhibition of the Students, Teachers, and Staff of CUD: AFTER SHOCK. The main purposes of the exhibition were to encourage artistic expressions and ability of the students, teachers, and staff; and promote pride and confidence in creating arts. The exhibition also to promote experience in art appreciation, an awareness in the values of the arts, and learning experiences in aesthetics.

The exhibition was shown from July 3 to August 4, 2023, at Nitas-sthan (Exhibition Hall), Art and Culture Building and Exhibition Area, 1st floor, Chulalongkorn University Museum.