'Art in Resonance' at The Peninsula Bangkok presents exquisite embroidered works by local artist Narissara Pianwimungsa

The Peninsula Bangkok is pleased to invite guests and visitors to enjoy ‘Gravity of Thoughts,’ an installation of embroidered artworks by local artist Narissara Pianwimungsa that contemplates the power of nature and fragility of life, and that will be on display across various hotel public spaces until 31 March 2021.

The exhibited works were commissioned as part of The Peninsula Hotels’ global art programme, ‘Art in Resonance,’ which collaborates with ground-breaking artists around the world to offer hotel guests uniquely immersive artistic experiences. In part, The Peninsula pursues this aim by hosting artists in residence who can thus take advantage of studio and exhibit spaces on the hotels’ premises and enjoy the opportunity to closely interact with Peninsula guests and visitors.

The striking, sculptural embroidered works that comprise Narissara Pianwinmungsa’s ‘Gravity of Thoughts’ were completed during her stay as at The Peninsula Bangkok. The three works, which are displayed in The Lobby and the artist studio, are characteristic of the boundary-pushing creativity the Thai-born artist has brought to all her endeavours – including poetry, drawings and paintings (some of which were featured in the 2003 Thai film ‘February'), as well as embroidery work that earned her a Silpa Bhirasri Creativity Grant from Silpakorn University in 2015.

While in residence at the hotel, Ms Pianwimungsa found herself reflecting on parallel concepts: The precious fragility of human life, and the extraordinary power and resilience of nature. Though her thoughts were partly inspired by the current, tumultuous world events, they also arose from her own personal observations – for instance, the ferry journeys she regularly took across Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River.

“During these rides I could feel the constant flow of nature, which endures no matter how many changes affect human life,” Ms Pianwimungsa said. “Sometimes the flow appears gentle; other times it seems harsh. But there is a balance to it, and to life. This balance is what ‘Gravity of Thoughts‘ explores.”

The installation’s focal point is a fabric sculpture dramatically suspended from the ceiling of the hotel’s artist studio. Meticulously weighted to ensure its precise balance, the piece has a draped, undulating shape, and is embroidered with imagery depicting open eyes. The exhibit also features two other works, which can be seen in the Lobby by the hotel’s main entrance and the artist studio. All echo the timely theme of nature and human life in precarious balance.

According to Joseph Sampermans, General Manager of The Peninsula Bangkok, the exhibit exemplifies the sort of thought-provoking, interactive art that the hotel seeks to share with global travellers and local residents as part of ‘Art in Resonance.’

“Art programmes such as this allow us to fulfil an important mission,” Mr Sampermans said. “As well as providing artistic enrichment to our visitors with exhibits, artist talks, and studio visits, we are also supporting local working artists – and ensuring the health of the cultural ecosystem in our home city.”

For more information about The Peninsula Hotels’ “Art in Resonance” programme, please visit www.peninsula.com/art. To book an Artist Studio Tour in the hotel personally guided by Ms Pianwimungsa, please contact The Peninsula Bangkok at +66 2020 2888 or email: pbk@peninsula.com.