The Peninsula Bangkok launched a visual Art Poetry Exhibition with a celebrated Thai poet and cultural historian Chiranan Pitpreecha as the hotel’s very first Writer in Residence. For a one-month period from 1-31 July 2022, guests and visitors at the property can experience Khun Chiranan’s immersive new exhibit, Poetic License, which explored the intersection of poetry and visual art. The title was chosen to fit with the artist's belief that we should break with conventions in pursuit of an earnest message. Recurring themes in these poems relate to humans' relationship with nature and the preservation of our environment.
The installation, which is now displaying in The Peninsula Bangkok’s gallery space and public areas, invites viewers to engage with subjects that have informed Khun Chiranan’s decades-long writing career: the human searching for freedom, and the powerful-yet-threatened beauty of the natural world. Khun Chiranan, who has won numerous distinctions, including two PEN International poetry awards, joined the hotel as part of its Artists in Residence programme – which seek to boost the visibility of ground-breaking regional artists and enriched the art and literature appreciation of its guests.
The installation, which is now displaying in The Peninsula Bangkok’s gallery space and public areas, invites viewers to engage with subjects that have informed Khun Chiranan’s decades-long writing career: the human searching for freedom, and the powerful-yet-threatened beauty of the natural world. Khun Chiranan, who has won numerous distinctions, including two PEN International poetry awards, joined the hotel as part of its Artists in Residence programme – which seek to boost the visibility of ground-breaking regional artists and enriched the art and literature appreciation of its guests.
Poetic License, A Poetry Exhibition is comprised of three separate components, each of which expressed Chiranan’s poetry through a different visual medium. The pieces include:
1. Visual Poetic Photography and Painting, in which two of Khun Chiranan’s poems appear transposed onto painted works of art created by Khun Adisak Somkong, an independent artist. The first of these, ‘Unity in Diversity, used deep-blue abstract patterns punctuated by bursts of light to evoke the swirling waters of the Chao Phraya River – as well as the perpetual flow of life. The second artwork, ‘Golden Silk’, incorporated fine golden threads, like those spun by a caterpillar for its cocoon. This illustrated the sanctity and beauty of utilising what nature gives to us freely; just as cotton can spun to create clothing to keep us warm, so it can used in the creation of art.
2. Zumo Book, a bound, 20-page collection of original poems by Khun Chiranan that probe the themes of personal freedom and perpetual change. Instead of print, each poem in this centrepiece publication has been weaved in textiles by PASAYA. The book’s cover features dappled blue water-inspired imagery, vividly echoing the poems’ subject matter. Earth-bound tones of abstract artwork complement the pages within, with sudden splashes of bold colour. An ancient wooden pedestal built for the book furthers this theme of movement through water. It was created by ‘Saiyart’ Collection, repurposed from the prow of an ancient longtail boat, which once formed the base of a merchant’s vessel.
The Zumo Book is a limited edition of 20 copies and priced at THB 20,000 net per book. The proceeds from the sales will be donated to SATI. SATI is a grassroots non-profit that focuses on health care and education for at risk and underserved youths in Thailand. For this exhibition we will be supporting their scholarship program.
3. Art Installation, a work that integrated Khun Chiranan’s poetry into the art installation ‘Worship the nature’. This expansive artwork occupied the space between two pillars in the centre of The Peninsula Bangkok’s grand lobby. Taking inspiration from the role bodhi trees play in Thai culture, this work of art asked us to consider the role of worship in our relationship with the environment – within us and around us. The symbolic spirit-tree theme seeks to transcend nature into what the writer terms supernatural.
According to Joseph Sampermans, General Manager of The Peninsula Bangkok, Poetic License epitomises the sort of deeply engaging visual poetry art installation that the hotel’s Artist in Residence programme offered to both international guests and local residents.
“With such exhibits, we strived to meet two goals,” Mr Sampermans said. “As well as providing a platform for important cultural luminaries like Khun Chiranan, we also hope to give our visitors a more meaningful appreciation of the local experience. Ideally, everyone – artists and viewers – achieve a deeper level of connection and understanding.”
The ‘Poetic License’ is opened to public from 1-31 July 2022, 3pm – 8pm. Please contact us by email conciergepbk@peninsula.com or call 02-020-2888 for more information.
About Chiranan Pitpreecha
The daughter of a bookstore owner, Chiranan Pitpreecha was born in Southern Thailand’s Trang Province in 1955. During the early 1970s, she was a prominent pro-democracy student activist, and took part in the infamous uprising that led to the massacre at Thammasat University in October 1976. After fleeing to the jungle and joining the Communist Party of Thailand, Pitpreecha published a poem, ‘Cracked Pebble’, which received an award for Best Poem of 1981 from PEN International Thailand. She subsequently emigrated to the United States, where she earned both BA and MA degrees in history from Cornell University.
While she was overseas and after her eventual return to Thailand, Pitpreecha continued to publish a wide variety of work, including poetry, social commentary and articles about history and travel. Her first collection of poems, Bai Mai Ti Hai Pai (The Missing Leaf), received the Southeast Asian Writers Award in 1989; in 1992, her poem ‘First Rain’ was once again named Best Poem of the Year by PEN International Thailand. Her writing has been translated into English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Japanese and Malay. As a translator herself, she has also worked on numerous books as well as subtitles for hundreds of Hollywood films.
Alongside her writing career, Khun Chiranan has remained active in causes related to public education and environmental conservation. She also serves on the advisory boards of several cultural organizations, including Museum Siam, the Thai Film Archive, the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation and The Royal Photographic Society of Thailand.
About The Peninsula Hotels’ Artist in Residence Programme
Since its founding, The Peninsula Hotels has been committed to promoting the rich and vibrant cultural aspects of the destination cities in which its properties reside. In part, the company pursues this aim by hosting a regularly rotating cast of acclaimed regional artists – Artists in Residence – at each of its hotels around the world. These featured artists enjoy studio and exhibit space on Peninsula hotel premises, and also the opportunity to interact and dialogue with Peninsula guests and visitors.
The Peninsula Bangkok, set in one of the world’s emerging artistic hotbeds, has taken pleasure in hosting numerous local Artists in Residence – including, in recent years, video and performance artist Kawita Vatanajyankur, illustrator and graphic designer Pichaya Osothcharoenpol, paper-craft artist Wannaprapa Tungkasmith and embroidery artist Narissara Piengwimol. In featuring the work of Chiranan Pitpreecha, beginning May 2022, however, the hotel marks the expansion of its Artist in Residence programme to incorporate Writers in Residence, including Thai authors, essayists and poets.
About The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH)
Incorporated in 1866 and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (00045), The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited is the holding company of a Group which is engaged in the ownership, development and management of prestigious hotels and 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; Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel, California; and Peninsula Clubs and Consultancy Services, Peninsula Merchandising and Tai Pan Laundry in Hong Kong.
1. Visual Poetic Photography and Painting, in which two of Khun Chiranan’s poems appear transposed onto painted works of art created by Khun Adisak Somkong, an independent artist. The first of these, ‘Unity in Diversity, used deep-blue abstract patterns punctuated by bursts of light to evoke the swirling waters of the Chao Phraya River – as well as the perpetual flow of life. The second artwork, ‘Golden Silk’, incorporated fine golden threads, like those spun by a caterpillar for its cocoon. This illustrated the sanctity and beauty of utilising what nature gives to us freely; just as cotton can spun to create clothing to keep us warm, so it can used in the creation of art.
2. Zumo Book, a bound, 20-page collection of original poems by Khun Chiranan that probe the themes of personal freedom and perpetual change. Instead of print, each poem in this centrepiece publication has been weaved in textiles by PASAYA. The book’s cover features dappled blue water-inspired imagery, vividly echoing the poems’ subject matter. Earth-bound tones of abstract artwork complement the pages within, with sudden splashes of bold colour. An ancient wooden pedestal built for the book furthers this theme of movement through water. It was created by ‘Saiyart’ Collection, repurposed from the prow of an ancient longtail boat, which once formed the base of a merchant’s vessel.
The Zumo Book is a limited edition of 20 copies and priced at THB 20,000 net per book. The proceeds from the sales will be donated to SATI. SATI is a grassroots non-profit that focuses on health care and education for at risk and underserved youths in Thailand. For this exhibition we will be supporting their scholarship program.
3. Art Installation, a work that integrated Khun Chiranan’s poetry into the art installation ‘Worship the nature’. This expansive artwork occupied the space between two pillars in the centre of The Peninsula Bangkok’s grand lobby. Taking inspiration from the role bodhi trees play in Thai culture, this work of art asked us to consider the role of worship in our relationship with the environment – within us and around us. The symbolic spirit-tree theme seeks to transcend nature into what the writer terms supernatural.
According to Joseph Sampermans, General Manager of The Peninsula Bangkok, Poetic License epitomises the sort of deeply engaging visual poetry art installation that the hotel’s Artist in Residence programme offered to both international guests and local residents.
“With such exhibits, we strived to meet two goals,” Mr Sampermans said. “As well as providing a platform for important cultural luminaries like Khun Chiranan, we also hope to give our visitors a more meaningful appreciation of the local experience. Ideally, everyone – artists and viewers – achieve a deeper level of connection and understanding.”
The ‘Poetic License’ is opened to public from 1-31 July 2022, 3pm – 8pm. Please contact us by email conciergepbk@peninsula.com or call 02-020-2888 for more information.
About Chiranan Pitpreecha
The daughter of a bookstore owner, Chiranan Pitpreecha was born in Southern Thailand’s Trang Province in 1955. During the early 1970s, she was a prominent pro-democracy student activist, and took part in the infamous uprising that led to the massacre at Thammasat University in October 1976. After fleeing to the jungle and joining the Communist Party of Thailand, Pitpreecha published a poem, ‘Cracked Pebble’, which received an award for Best Poem of 1981 from PEN International Thailand. She subsequently emigrated to the United States, where she earned both BA and MA degrees in history from Cornell University.
While she was overseas and after her eventual return to Thailand, Pitpreecha continued to publish a wide variety of work, including poetry, social commentary and articles about history and travel. Her first collection of poems, Bai Mai Ti Hai Pai (The Missing Leaf), received the Southeast Asian Writers Award in 1989; in 1992, her poem ‘First Rain’ was once again named Best Poem of the Year by PEN International Thailand. Her writing has been translated into English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Japanese and Malay. As a translator herself, she has also worked on numerous books as well as subtitles for hundreds of Hollywood films.
Alongside her writing career, Khun Chiranan has remained active in causes related to public education and environmental conservation. She also serves on the advisory boards of several cultural organizations, including Museum Siam, the Thai Film Archive, the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation and The Royal Photographic Society of Thailand.
About The Peninsula Hotels’ Artist in Residence Programme
Since its founding, The Peninsula Hotels has been committed to promoting the rich and vibrant cultural aspects of the destination cities in which its properties reside. In part, the company pursues this aim by hosting a regularly rotating cast of acclaimed regional artists – Artists in Residence – at each of its hotels around the world. These featured artists enjoy studio and exhibit space on Peninsula hotel premises, and also the opportunity to interact and dialogue with Peninsula guests and visitors.
The Peninsula Bangkok, set in one of the world’s emerging artistic hotbeds, has taken pleasure in hosting numerous local Artists in Residence – including, in recent years, video and performance artist Kawita Vatanajyankur, illustrator and graphic designer Pichaya Osothcharoenpol, paper-craft artist Wannaprapa Tungkasmith and embroidery artist Narissara Piengwimol. In featuring the work of Chiranan Pitpreecha, beginning May 2022, however, the hotel marks the expansion of its Artist in Residence programme to incorporate Writers in Residence, including Thai authors, essayists and poets.
About The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH)
Incorporated in 1866 and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (00045), The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited is the holding company of a Group which is engaged in the ownership, development and management of prestigious hotels and 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; Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel, California; and Peninsula Clubs and Consultancy Services, Peninsula Merchandising and Tai Pan Laundry in Hong Kong.
