organised by the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture(OCAC), Ministry of Culture.

Preface

Silpatorn awards was intiated by Office of Contemporary Art and Culture (OCAC), Ministry of Culture in 2004 to promote prominent Thai contemporary artists who are in their mid-career and whose exceptional works have been appreciated nationwide. It is the core mission of OCAC to support Thai contemporary art and enhance its recognition in local and international arena.

Silpathorn Awards 2007 are presented to

Pinnaree Sunpitak,Vasan Sittikhet and Rerkrit Teeravanich for Visaul art;

Sirivora Kaewkarn for literaturs;

Narong Prangchareon for music;

Nimit Pipitkul for Performing Art;

and Thunska Pansittivorakul for film

The awards are our gesture of appreciation for outstanding works and continuing efforts in fields of contemporary art among the seven Silpathorn artists.

We hope Silpathorn awards will be additional force driving Thai contemporary art and culture to the world arena. These awards will enhance knowledge and increse awareness of younger generation Thais and general public regarding contemporary art and culture including the potential of Thai contemporary art and culture will cintribute to the sustainable of Thailand in booth Social and economic perspectives.

Official of Contemporary Art and Culture

Ministry of Culture

History

For over five decades, Thai contemporary artist in different fields have created precious works of art which have brought them fame on the national and international scenes.

Previously, the promotion of contemporary art and culture was carried out by the different Government offices, including the Fine Arts Department, the Office of the National Cultures Commission, and the Religious Affairs Department 2, 2001 the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture (OCAC) was designated as a department dedicated to support and promotion of contemporary art and culture.

In line with this policy, the Government has implemented the annual National Artist Award and various projects to recognise Thai artists and promote Thai arts among the public, young people in particular. Despites these activities, most contemporary artists are still in need of supports in order to utilise their full potential to created works and propel them to the forefront of the national or even the world art scene.

In view of this much-needed support for contemporary artists to create works independently and prosper in their career, the OCAC promptly established the first Silpathorn Awards in the year 2004.

Objectives

1 To select and honour contemporary artist with outstanding works.

2 To nurture and develop contemporary art and culture as national asset.

3 To inspire and promote contemporary artists.

Definition of Silpathorn

A word Silpatorn in Thai is a combination of two words: Silpa(Art) and Thorn(the Upholder). Altogether, Silpathorn means the Upholder of Art.

Qualifications of the Best Contemporary Artists

3 Thai national

4 Aged between 30-50 years and still alive on the announcement day.

5 His / her works have continually been exposed to the general pulic until present.

6 His / her works have been released in Thailand, creating a great impact to Thai contemporary art and inspiring young artists.

The Mark of Honour Silpathorn

Silpathorn brooch is modeled on the office of contemporary Art and cultures emblem, symbolising nine fields of contemporary art. Viewed vertically, it is seen as a growing plant. Made of gold and decorates with diamonts and emerald, the coveted brooch signifies the artists who create works that shine likediamond, and will continue to prosper in their career.

The 1st Silapathorn Artist 2004
Visaul art-Chalermchai Kositpipat
Literaturs-Chat Kobchitti
Music-Danu Huntrakul
Film-Pen-eak Ratanareung
Performing Art-Pradit Prasattong

The 2nd Silpathorn Artist 2005
Visaul art-Pornchai Jaima
Literaturs-Kittisak Meesomseub
Literaturs-Bandit Ungrangsi
Film-Apichatpong Weerasethakul
Performing Art-Manop Meejamrus

The 3rd Silpathorn Artist 2006
Visaul art-Chatchay Puipia
Literaturs-Vin Leawvarin
Music-Nut Yontararuk
Film-Wisit Sasanatiang
Performing Art-Pichet Kluncheun