Hotel Art Fair 2014.
Art and gallery are definitely a proper match. For a change, now we have Hotel Art Fair, which will be held at Ad Lib Hotel this weekend from 11am till 11pm, and which will display artwork in the uncommon setting of hotel rooms. Despite an unusual display, the fact that there will be over 20 leading galleries such as ATTA Gallery, H Gallery, Serindia Gellery and inProductions gathering in one place makes this worth a visit.
This year also sees participation from a few galleries from Chiang Mai, such as C.A.P Studio, Lyla Gallery, Gallery Seescape and the new MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum. On display will also be pieces from new artists.
Hotel Art Fair is a collaborative project between Ad Lib Hotel and design consultancy Farmgroup. Last week there was a pre-show at Beatniq Condominium’s Sales Gallery, which will continue until tomorrow. The idea, it seems, is to show how art can fit into residential spaces.
“I’m not an artist, so I always feel intimidated when visiting galleries. I wonder if it’s possible to take that feeling away, so anyone will feel comfortable appreciating the arts,” said Worathit Kruawanichkij, director of Farmgroup.
Phathaiwat Changtrakul, a contemporary artist who is the fair’s curator, believes the fair will help broaden the art scene.
“The art business in Thailand is small but it can survive,” he says. “Even if we keep their art pieces in galleries, people who are fond of art will look for them anyway. But the reason the galleries join the fair is because they believe the art scene can get stronger. To hold the fair in the hotel will link different groups of people from different businesses.”
Torlarp Larpjaroensook, founder of Gallery Seescape from Chiang Mai, agrees with Phathaiwat.
“My gallery will bring work from new artists in Chiang Mai, as I want them to experience the art market in Bangkok.”
Apisek Wongvasu, from For In-Productions, added that the fair will also benefit visitors by giving them easier access to art.
“It’s said that art can make people smarter, if they’re open to it,” said Apisek. “This fair definitely will do the job. Visitors can enjoy art comfortably with this new form, which is different from galleries.”
This source first appeared on Bangkok Post Lifestyle.