UOB invites Southeast Asian artists to share their artistic vision and creative talent
in its annual Painting of the Year Competition
United Overseas Bank (UOB) is inviting artists from Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia to share their artistic vision and creative talent in the 2014 UOB Painting of the Year competition.
The UOB Painting of the Year competition, now in its 33rd year in Singapore and 5th year in Thailand, is divided into two categories - Emerging Artist and Established Artist – to reflect the natural progression of an artist’s career. These categories were introduced last year to ensure the competition remains attractive and relevant to creative talents of different backgrounds, from experienced artists with a strong portfolio of works to aspiring artists who are taking their first steps to a career in art.
Mr Wee Ee Cheong, Deputy Chairman and CEO of UOB said, “The UOB Painting of the Year competition has discovered and recognised many outstanding local art talents over the last three decades. The passion shown by these artists and their ability to create works that can both enrich the minds and inspire the community are the main reasons that we continue to invest in the promotion of arts across Southeast Asia.”
The artists with the best works in the competition this year will be selected for their creativity, technique and expression of ideas. They will have an opportunity to win from a regional prize pool of more than US$200,000, one of the largest cash awards among art competitions in Southeast Asia. In addition, the Painting of the Year Award winner in each country – Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore – will have a chance to compete for Southeast Asian Painting of the Year prize and a month-long residency programme at the prestigious Fukuoka Asian Art Museum (FAAM).
Thai artists from the 2013 UOB Painting of the Year competition drew their inspiration from contemporary Thai society
The winning pieces from the 2013 UOB Painting of the Year competition in Thailand reflected contemporary Thai society through various painting media and techniques. The top prize for the Established Artist category was awarded to Khun Aphiphol Techamangkhalanon. Mr Aphiphol’s work titled “Kwam Wang bon Sak Arayatham No. 3” (Hope on the Ruins No. 3) reflects his belief in the central role that traditional cultural values play in today’s society where materialism is on the rise.
The top winner for the Emerging Artist category was Khun Thitiprom Onpium, whose work titled “Liang Phi PuYa” (Veneration of the Dead) was inspired by the Thai tradition of family reuniting in remembrance of their ancestors.
Competition helps Thai artists share their works with a wider audience
Past winners of the competition have gone on to be recognised outside of Thailand. Mr Imrom Yunu who won the top prize in the 3rd UOB Painting of the Year competition in Thailand was invited by the Chinese central government to showcase his work in the 2012 Conference on Islamic Contemporary Art in Yingchaun, China. His winning painting titled “Sattha” (Faith) portrayed his grandmother’s face which he layered with sayings from the Quran.
Miss Suwannee Sarakana, an internationally-acclaimed artist who won the top prize in Thailand in 2011 at the 2nd UOB Painting of the Year with her painting titled “Om Kod Haeng Rak Jak Krobkrua” (Hug of Love from Family). The painting also won the hearts of the judging panel in Singapore, which gave Ms Sarakana a Special Mention Award. In 2012, she was awarded the 12th Silpa Bhirasri Creativity Grant and has continued to be selected to represent Thailand in exhibitions worldwide.
How to enter the 5th UOB Painting of the Year competition
The UOB Painting of the Year competition is open to citizens and residents of Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Artists are invited to submit original paintings that have been created within the last two years. There are no entry fees.
Artists in Thailand who wish to take part in the competition must submit their artwork and entry form between 1 to 5 October 2014 at Art Centre Silpakorn University Wang Ta Phra. Interested persons can download the entry form, rules and regulations or view the work of prize recipients in four countries at www.uobpoy.com or call UOB (Thai)’s Brand Performance and Corporate Communications at 02 620-2899 or 02 620-2854.
Announcement of Winners
Shortlisted artists in Thailand will be notified by phone by 10 October 2014. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on 22 October 2014 at Bangkok Art &Culture Centre Pathumwan. All of their work will be exhibited at the 5th UOB Painting of the Year Exhibition during 14-31 October at the same venue.
July 4, 2014
For More information, please contact
Brand Performance & Corporate Communications,
United Overseas Bank (Thai) Pcl.
Parista Yuthamanop Tel. 0-2343-4965