12 August 2026, 01:45pm to 02:05pm
This multimedia work explores the profound relationship between royal patronage and artistic legacy in Thailand, tracing a lineage that spans dynasties, disciplines, and generations. The Chakri Dynasty - most notably King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Queen Sirikit - played a transformative role in sustaining Thailand's artistic culture: the king through his unwavering support for cultural institutions, and the queen through her dedicated preservation of traditional Thai crafts via the SUPPORT Foundation. Central to this narrative is Professor Silpa Bhirasri (born Corrado Feroci), founder of Silpakorn University's Faculty of Decorative Arts, whose life and legacy embody the bridge between traditional Thai aesthetics and modern artistic expression - a testament to the enduring power of royal patronage to shape national identity through art. Presented as a 30-minute immersive video installation structured in five movements, the work employs projection mapping documentation, archival imagery, contemporary artistic interpretations, and an original musical score to illuminate how royal grace became the foundation for artistic creation, which in turn became the cultural heritage of a nation. Originally conceived as a site-specific performance in Silpakorn University's historic courtyard, this single-channel adaptation with synchronized audio distills the essence of the original work, enabling the story of Thai artistic heritage to reach international audiences while preserving its full emotional and intellectual depth. This interdisciplinary collaboration brings together faculty and graduate students from the Master of Fine Arts and Doctoral programs in Design at Silpakorn University's Faculty of Decorative Arts, in partnership with the Faculty of Music, embodying the same spirit of collective creativity that has defined Thailand's artistic tradition across generations.
Suphachai Areerungreuang (Joe) completed his Higher Vocational Certificate (Diploma) in Thai Painting at the Faculty of National Arts, Poh-Chang Campus. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Education (Fine Arts) with Second Class Honors, followed by a Master of Arts in Architectural History from the Faculty of Architecture, Silpakorn University. He obtained his Doctorate in Fine Arts (Visual Arts) from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Chulalongkorn University.
Currently, Suphachai serves as a lecturer at the Faculty of Decorative Arts, Silpakorn University, teaching in the Doctor of Philosophy program in Design and the Master of Arts program in Design.
Suphachai is an artist and designer who employs interdisciplinary approaches in his design work. He is also a curator and art critic. After completing his undergraduate studies, he worked as a part-time instructor teaching Thai art at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Chulalongkorn University. He then pursued graduate studies at the Faculty of Architecture, Silpakorn University. Simultaneously, he worked as a jewelry designer at Noble Jewelry Company during the post-1997 economic crisis period. This professional experience provided him with expertise in design, export marketing, gold and gemstone jewelry production processes, and collaborative work skills.