Creating an Immersive Art Experience from Professor Silpa Bhirasri's Works at the National Gallery of Thailand

Dr Supachai Areenrungruang

This research aims to make contemporary art accessible to the public through the art objects housed at Thailand's National Gallery and to develop exhibition formats distinct from the museum's traditional approaches. The study employed a mixed-methods research design combining qualitative and quantitative approaches, including investigating the art objects preserved by the museum and interviewing museum personnel. For the exhibition design process, the researcher created digital artworks, animations, and sound designs to accompany the art displays, drawing from historical contexts relevant to the exhibition content. This approach utilized mixed-media art combined with digital art, sound, and multisensory elements, collectively termed "Immersive Art." The research findings revealed that exhibition visitors experienced excitement and interest, developing a desire to view the original art objects after experiencing the exhibition. The researcher also discovered that these art objects could be further transformed into digital art animations, enhancing perception and learning for contemporary audiences. This approach resulted in improved understanding of modern to contemporary art in Thailand. The immersive experience created from Professor Silpa Bhirasri's works represents an innovative approach to museum exhibitions, bridging traditional art appreciation with digital engagement. By reimagining historical artifacts through contemporary technology, the research demonstrates how cultural institutions can evolve their presentation methods to resonate with modern audiences while preserving and highlighting Thailand's artistic heritage.