Wednesday July 6, 2022 – Khon Kaen University by the Cultural Center and related academic institutions all over the country, artists and art and cultural networks in Isan, held a workshop and seminar on the creation of art works of lecturers and national artists, or “Home Din 2”. The event was organized with the purpose for learning and sharing among personnel of different institutions, national and local artists and local sages. Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee, Chairman of Khon Kaen University Council presided over the opening ceremony of the “Home Din 2 Exhibition” and the “LIFE@KKU Art&Culture”. Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University gave the reporting speech about the background of the exhibition of sculptures and earthenware. Among attendants were distinguished guests, lecturers, artists, heads of departments inside and outside the university, and students. The event took place at the courtyard of Art Galleries, Khon Kaen University.
Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul said, “Khon Kaen University organized this exhibition once in 2012, and the event that time was successful. This time, the event is organized by the Art, Culture and Creative Economy Section and the Cultural Center of Khon Kaen University. The University is well aware that it is important to expand the area and the environment in order to disseminate the works of arts in a broad circle and to reach more and more people. We are carrying out the Green Campus policy that aims to improve the landscape for creative activities and open more space for multiplicity of art works. This Home Din 2 event is a cluster of lecturers from more than 20 academic institutions all over the country including Chulalongkorn University, Silpakorn University, Supanburi College of Fine Arts, Rajabhat University Mahasarakham, Rajabhat University Udonthani, Rajabhat University Chaiyaphum, Rajabhat University Buriram, Rajabhat University Nakhon Ratchasima, Raja Mangala University of Technology Isan, College of Fine Arts, Rajabhat University Ubon Ratchathani, Rajabhat University Srisaket, Naresuan University, Bangkok University Thonburi, Rajabhat University Lampang, Arts Academy, King Mongkut University of Technology Lad Krabang, Regional Industrial Promotion Center 6, Suranaree University of Technology. National renowned artists also joined, including outstanding artists and Isan heritage artists, Dan Kwian Contemporary artists, and independent artists. There were 80 work pieces exhibited. This event also included a workshop for learning and sharing at Dan Kwian, Nakhon Ratchasima for 7 days. The works accomplished during the workshop are also shown here. All of them are truly beautiful and will be exhibited at the Cultural Center of Khon Kaen University for students and the public as well as tourists to visit and see. The usefulness will be towards the art and the educational circles that promote tourism, arts and cultures, local wisdoms.”
Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee, Chairman of Khon Kaen University Council said in his opening address, “The Home Din 2 Exhibition and the LIFE@KKU Art&Culture Exhibition, which was organized once by the Art, Culture, and Creative Economy Section by Assoc. Prof. Niyom Wongpongkham, Ph.D., the Vice President for Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, and the Cultural Center, has been supported by the University. When I grew up in Ratchaburi, I was familiar with a very famous jar factory that produced earthenware. Then I had a chance to work at ISCG and my duty was to promote small industries. I went to many provinces including Khon Kaen. In Udonthani, we promoted the earthenware at Ban Chiang. That was about 40 years ago. Even though the earthenware at Ban Chiang was not really successful, we had the conclusion that traditional Thai earthenware produced for retaining water only could be developed and adjusted in its forms. It can be used as decorating items, plant pots, or other products. This can lead to economic success.”
Home Din 2 Exhibition had compiled beautiful sculptures and works of art. There was a contest of earthenware from 20 institutions. All pieces of work had their interesting and modern looks. They could be further developed commercially. The activity witnessed many capable people and the new generation who also exhibited their works.
Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee finally showed his appreciation towards the local sages and artists who have joined and showed the beautiful 80 pieces of work. It is believed that the works and the further development will create economic values for the society in the long run.
The workshop and seminar project (Home Din 2) is a creative project for learning and sharing and creating of art works by artists who joined the event, including the workshop at Dan Kwian, Nakhon Ratchasima. The works are now exhibited at the Art Galleries, Khon Kaen University. The LIFE@KKU Art&Culture Exhibition, which also includes “KORAT CONTEMPORARY” of over 100 work pieces are also shown at the Art Galleries. The event demonstrated that Khon Kaen University had a common area for the community. This links the Me Kong river basin and ASEAN networks, in so far as the art and cultures are concerned. The space is also used for activities that promote contemporary art and cultures for creative economy. It is open for the public and students to come to appreciate the works of art.
If interested, all are invited to see the exhibited pieces of earthenware and sculpture from today until July 30, 2022 at the courtyard of Art Galleries, Khon Kaen University.
News / Photos: Watchara Noichompoo
