So this week I sought the air-conditioned sanctuary of the Bangkok Arts and Cultural Centre to see two exhibitions. The first was “Abstract: The Truth of Art” Ithipol Thangchalok.
The exhibition was a linear journey through three phases of the artist’s work. Thangchalok is an abstract artist who has worked across a very wide set of representational methods, selecting each medium to suit the subject. The work was highly textural and included print making, lithograph, acrylics on various media, collage and etchings including this piece which was part of his more representational early work. I particularity enjoyed the works on the subject of city and wall. Apologies for the poor photo as it was taken surreptitiously at high speed. 
The second exhibition was titled ‘Peek@Petch’ and was a study of Petchaburi province by the faculty of Architecture at Silpakorn University, compiled of various study methods. These included photography, model making of traditional structures, explorative bamboo construction, product design, line sketches and hand drawn documentation of historical, vernacular structures. 
Particularly impressive was a large set of pencil drawings which had been completed by volunteers who document vernacular architecture by measuring the building and then drawing as they go with the aim of changing the perception of value of the building to communities and encourage conservation. The methodology used was referred to as Vernadoc and the specific exhibition of drawings was supported by the Association of Siam Architects. Not only were the plans, sections and detailed drawings of an incredibly high level the investment of time in such an endeavor is breathtaking. 
There was also a series of hand sketches from Professor Ornsiri Panin and his team titled “Hand Sketch: Abode” which were lively and engaging, depicting scenes of daily life. These drawings really made you want to reach for your moleskin and technical pen.
Also worth mentioning were the architectural models, which were fabulous. The models of the temples really helped me to consider timber construction and the multitude of layers that make up a temple structure in a way that cannot be appreciated by a building visit alone.