Tribal Trappings

Nobody expects a world class exhibition space with art from some of Thailand's most respected artists out in the rice fields of San Kamphaeng, but Vichit's Studio and Gallery is just that. It gives us great pleasure to have this special place not too far from our home. Vichit Chaiwong is well known in Chiang Mai art circles as the visionary behind the trendsetting Gong Dee Gallery on Nimmanhaemin Soi 1. Recently he decided to retire from the high profile life of the retail world and return to his roots- literally, to his family land among the rice fields, and also to his passion for painting. To this end, he created this new gallery and studio space next to his home, on 5 rai of land. Comprising a commodious light-filled 'art barn' and sculpture garden, it defies expectations in its design and content. The building is grandly proportioned and finely finished with marble floors, neutral-colored walls, huge movable wall panels for displaying art, and plentiful, but diffused, light from overhead skylights. All the walls display art, with one end wall also lined with shelves overflowing with art books. At the other end is a studio space with a scattering of easels and a constantly changing array of students' works in progress- Vichit (below at work) is also a teacher and welcomes aspiring artists of all ages to learn and work under his guidance (more about that in a later post). An island for coffee and a small shop area with cards, catalogs, books, jewelry and other artful objects completes the space, along with several groupings of comfortable seating.

Behind the main building, which runs perpendicular to the road, is a narrow, but long sculpture garden that looks out over an ever-changing landscape of rice fields with mountains in the background. Shaded by tall trees it is a quiet place for meditation among the art of both humans and Mother Nature. Every time I visit the view is different and one can really sense the earthbound rhythms which have given meaning to life in Thailand for so long, but which are becoming more and more difficult to find. Vichit usually joins me in the garden and delights in pointing out special plants, some of which have come from places distant from northern Thailand, or are unusual specimens of more common plants.

In addition to Vichit's beautiful and varied paintings (above and right) and found object sculptures, there are also works (below) by his friend and teacher, the late Uab Sanasen, sculptures by Steven Muthikul Jones, prints by Vorakorn Metmanorom, and photos by Angela Srisomwongwathana, among others. A grand piano in the studio gives mute testimony to the esteem given here to all the arts, and many of us are hoping for the reincarnation of the wonderful concerts and creative events formerly held at the Gong Dee Gallery. This is truly a very special and well-hidden Chiang Mai secret, but once found is not that difficult to find again, and again, and again. Call for directions, but remember that it's closed on Mondays: 053/392-733 www.vichitstudio.com