Thai Artists | Vasan Sitthiket

Vasan Sitthiket was born in 1957 in Nakhorn Sawan and studied at the College of Fine Art in Bangkok. Some of his paintings are related to nature or to erotic motifs. However, most works address problems within contemporary Thai and international societies, such as the exploitation of the poor by the rich as well as the corruption among politicians and bureaucrats. He uses several media to express his opinions on these subjects. Paintings, drawings, woodcut prints, installations and performances are some of the media used to put his ideas into practice. In addition to numerous shows in Thailand, Vasan has participated in frequent shows abroad including the Venice Biennale (Italy, 2003). He has also staged three plays and is the author of more than ten books, including poetry, children’s books and political writings. Vasan Sitthiket is an activist and one of Thailand's most well known artists internationally. He is often labeled the enfant terrible of Thai art and a firebrand. It can be difficult to pin him down since he turns against anyone in power and he loathes the hypocritical ways of politicians and bureaucrats, as well as of business leaders and 'capitalists'. He seems to be an anarchist at heart.