The Peninsula Bangkok Introduces the Artist in Residence Programme by a Hotel in The Thai Capital

The Peninsula Bangkok continues to position itself at the forefront of Thailand’s thriving arts scene by becoming the first luxury hotel in Bangkok to offer an Artist in Residence programme. Creatively redefining the guest experience, the new initiative welcomes Thai and international artists to live and work for two months in a custom-created studio at the hotel. Guests can personally engage with multi-dimensional works by each artist, and enjoy interactive art experiences, exclusive previews and studio visits while relishing the tranquility of an urban oasis on the River of Kings.

Artist in Residence aligns with The Peninsula Hotels’ global Art in Resonance (AiR) initiative, a multi-year global contemporary art programme, launched in March 2019. Since its founding, The Peninsula Hotels has been committed to promoting the rich and vibrant cultural aspects of the destination cities in which it resides. AiR shows a deeper commitment from The Peninsula Hotels to engage with the artistic sphere, not just as a venue but as an originator of culture and a true supporter of mid-career and emerging artists.

Much like Art in Resonance, The Peninsula Bangkok’s Artist in Residence initiative aims to nurture local and global creative talent through a desire to use art as a bridge to communicate across cultures and generations. In 2017, the hotel partnered with the College of Music at Mahidol University to use The Lobby for students to perform concerts and showcase their musical skills. In 2018, The Peninsula Bangkok was a partner venue for the inaugural Bangkok Art Biennale, and hosted several installations throughout the four-month event. While most recently, in early 2019, a pioneering live performance, called KNIT, by Kawita Vatanajyangkur was presented during Afternoon Tea at The Lobby.

Following the success of her stunning KNIT show, Kawita, who is one of Thailand’s most in-demand young artists, was announced as The Peninsula Bangkok’s debut Artist in Residence. During March and April 2019, she is presenting a site-specific work, entitled A Continuation of Performing Textiles, which reflects the issues of female labour and feminism in the textile sector. Guests can reserve their place for an exclusive Studio Tour each Thursday, Friday and Saturday to preview Kawita’s work in progress.

The Peninsula Bangkok is now pleased to announce that talented Thai designer and illustrator Pichaya Osothcharoenpol (also known as Pichaya O), who is pioneering augmented reality techniques in her art, will be the second Artist in Residence, from May to July 2019. While living and working at the hotel, Pichaya will design a limited-edition mooncake gift box, which whimsically guides guests through the traditions of Mid-Autumn Festival. Those visiting the hotel will also be able to interact with her art pieces displayed throughout the hotel by downloading a customised app, in addition to having the opportunity to enjoy a truly unique Afternoon Tea experience, which combines imaginative art, augmented reality and exquisite cuisine, jointly curated by Pichaya O and Executive Pastry Chef Nicolas Pelloie and served daily at The Lobby from 1 June to 31 July.

Boundary-pushing Bangkok-based artist and researcher Taweesak Molsawat will become the hotel’s third Artist in Residence, from August to October 2019. He will use the residency to introduce Sala Oasis, an interactive exhibition between the artist and audience that seeks to redress the loss of community in big cities with diverse populations like Bangkok. Taweesak will reimagine discarded materials and objects collected from local communities into inspiring artwork and sculptures that transcend cultural boundaries and create new forms of physical and emotional interaction.

For more information about Artist in Residence programme or artist’s studio tour, please contact The Peninsula Bangkok at +66 2020 2888 or email pbk@peninsula.com

About Kawita Vatanajyankur

Born in Bangkok, performance video artist Kawita Vatanajyankur graduated with a degree in Fine Art (Painting) from RMIT University in Melbourne. In 2015, she was a finalist in the Jaguar Asia Pacific Tech Art Prize and curated into the Thailand Eye exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery in London. Her work has been showcased at leading galleries and exhibitions in Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the US, UK, France and Germany, and she performed at the 57th Venice Biennale in 2017. Drawing from a digitally networked visual language of consumption and instant gratification, Kawita uses her own physical and emotional discomfort to interrogate societal issues such as feminism, oppression and materialism.

About Pichaya Osothcharoenpol

A graduate of Raffles International College, Thai designer and illustrator Pichaya Osothcharoenpol (also known as Pichaya O) later earned an MSC at Thammasat University. Skillfully combining hand-drawn and digital techniques, her intricate and colourful tapestries and designs have recently been inventively layered with augmented reality. Pichaya’s work has been exhibited at leading art and design shows, and in 2017 she received Thailand’s prestigious DEmark Award. In 2017, she was one of 16 artists to participate in Art for the Future, a programme that helps children to realise their dreams through art.

About Taweesak Molsawat

A multi-award-winning Thai performance artist and researcher, Tawaseek earned a degree in Industrial Design at the King Monkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, before gaining an MFA in Jewelry and Metalsmithing at the University of Kansas. A former Assistant Professor at Department of Art, Design & Art History at San Diego State University, he conducts exhibitions, performances, lectures and workshops across Thailand and worldwide. His cross-cultural art creatively and critically examines diverse social meanings and cultural contexts, and has been exhibited at galleries in Australia, Germany, Malaysia, Singapore, Spain, Thailand and the US. He has also published several books, academic papers and articles on creative art and design themes.

About The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH)

Incorporated in 1866 and listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (00045), HSH is the holding company of a Group which is engaged in the ownership, development and management of prestigious hotel, commercial and residential properties in key locations in Asia, the United States and Europe, as well as the provision of tourism and leisure, club management and other services. The Peninsula Hotels portfolio comprises The Peninsula Hong Kong, The Peninsula Shanghai, The Peninsula Beijing, The Peninsula Tokyo, The Peninsula New York, The Peninsula Chicago, The Peninsula Beverly Hills, The Peninsula Paris, The Peninsula Bangkok, and The Peninsula Manila. Projects under development include The Peninsula London, The Peninsula Istanbul and The Peninsula Yangon. The property portfolio of the Group includes The Repulse Bay Complex, The Peak Tower and St. John’s Building in Hong Kong; The Landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; and 21 avenue Kléber in Paris, France. The clubs and services portfolio of the Group includes The Peak Tram in Hong Kong; Thai Country Club in Bangkok, Thailand; Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel, California; Peninsula Clubs and Consultancy Services, Peninsula Merchandising, and Tai Pan Laundry in Hong Kong.