Thailand’s National Portraiture Competition
Portrait prizes have become a favourite with artists and public the world over. Portrait’s provide a unique insight into a country’s people and reflect the creative talent of the nation. This year, we are thrilled to welcome Italthai as our principal sponsor, ensuring the continuation of the Portrait Prize for many years to come.
Each year, the Italthai Portrait Prize Exhibition showcases 50 finalists selected by the jury from all entries to the competition plus 20 finalists who are 16 years and under. As is previous years, the host venue is River City Bangkok.
We are now accepting submissions from across the country for Italthai Portrait Prize 2023. Please read the submission guidelines and terms & conditions and complete the online entry form below.
Thailand’s national portrait competition is now in its third year. Each year, professional, amateur and student artists are invited to enter their portrait of a person (their sitter) important to them in one way or another.
Sitters can be people known to or respected by the artist for their contribution to society. The artist must paint the sitter from life and is asked to provide a short story about the sitter.
Each year the Italthai Portrait Prize provides a platform for artists of all backgrounds to showcase their talent with the public, collectors, galleries and media.
In previous years, three prize categories have been awarded. This year, a 4th prize category has been added to recognise emerging talent from schools across the country.
PORTRAIT PRIZE
The jury are seven opinion leaders from across Thai society: business, government, collectors, entrepreneurs, entertainers and civil society. This jury selects the finalists for the exhibition and chooses the winner of the Portrait Prize of 500,000 THB.
PACKING ROOM PRIZE
The second jury is the staff of River City Bangkok’s exhibition team, the people who manage the contemporary art galleries and curate, receive and hang each exhibition. The Packing Room Prize is 200,000 THB
PEOPLE’S CHOICE PRIZE
As the name suggests, the third jury are the people visiting the exhibition who cast their vote for their favourite portrait. The portrait with the most votes wins the People’s Choice Prize of 100,000 THB
YOUTH PRIZE
Finalists from entries of artists 16 years of age and younger are included in the exhibition. The jury of the Portrait Prize also awards the Youth Prize of 100,000 THB.
Who We Are
Each year, a panel of opinion leaders from across Thai society: business, collectors, entrepreneurs, entertainers and civil society, are invited to judge this open competition. Artist details are not shared with the jury, they select the finalists and winner from the painting and story alone.
Yuthachai presides over a business empire spanning construction and construction equipment, real estate, hospitality and lifestyle. Top studied economics in the USA and has a keen life-long interest in fine arts.
Yuthachai Charanachitta
Group CEO, Italthai
Kobkarn serves as chairperson of the board of Kasikornbank and the board of Toshiba Thailand. With a background in fine arts and architecture, she is active in the promotion of art and education.
Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul
Chairperson, BACC Foundation
Pranapda’s experience of being a woman executive in the male-oriented world of the automobile industry led her to establish ‘Dragonfly360’, a platform that promotes gender equality across Asia.
Pranapda Chirathivat
Founder, Dragonfly360
Tom is an insatiable follower and collector of art and has a deep insight into Thailand’s creative landscape. Tom’s public relations firm, TQPR, is one the top independent agencies in Southeast Asia.
Tom Van Blarcom
Managing Director, TQPR
Kathathong’s has been instrumental in promoting the creative economy in Thailand and around the world at international design fairs such as Maison&Objet in Paris and Salone del Mobile in Milan.
ML Kathathong Thongyai
Assistant Director General, DITP
Naphalai’s career spans journalism, public relations, marketing, hospitality and wellness. For over the past 30 years she built Thailand Tatler into one of the country’s top English language publications.
Naphalai Areesorn
Journalist & Editor
British, but born and raised in Switzerland, Anthony represents Mandarin Oriental Group on the Chaophaya Development Corporation board.
Anthony Tyler
General Manager, Mandarin Oriental
Lead by Toby Lu, the RCB Exhibition Team curates and installs the contemporary art exhibitions and manages artwork sales. Each year, the RCB Exhibition also choose the winner of the Packing Room Prize.
RCB exhibitions team
River City Bangkok
Linda has transformed River City Bangkok into a significant art hub in Thailand. Building upon the 38 year success of RCB Auctions, Linda introduced contemporary art auctions to the annual RCB event schedule.
LINDA CHENG
Managing Director, River City Bangkok
A founder of Bangkok’s Creative District, David introduced the Portrait Prize to Thailand in 2020 and produces the Italthai Portrait Prize. David guides the jury through their selection of finalists and winners.
David Robinson
Managing Director, OtiumOne
The Rules You need to follow
To qualify for the annual portraiture competition you must comply with the terms and conditions of entry. These are outlined below:
Resident of Thailand in 2023
The artist can be Thai or foreign but must be a resident in Thailand for the year of the competition. The artist may enter only one portrait per year.
Painting from life (not a photograph)
The portrait must be painted from life, meaning the subject/s must sit for the artist in person. Along with the portrait, the artist must supply a short story about the sitter and why the artist wanted to paint them. Each entry needs to include a photograph of the artist, sitter and artwork being created.
The portrait may be created in any medium
Painted on canvas, paper or board with oil or acrylic paint, using watercolor, or mixed media. NOTE: The portrait must not be a photograph or use digital software, hardware, printing or projection in any way.
The size of the artwork being submitted
The portrait must not exceed the size limit of 1 sqm. For example: 1m × 1m, 1.2m x 0.8m, 1.6m x 0.6m or equivalent. Dimensions apply to the actual work of art, not the mounting or framing. The entry may be a multi-panel as long as the overall dimensions do not exceed the size limit above. A photograph of the completed portrait must be submitted at time of entry.
2021&2022 Prize Winners
Here are the winners of the Portrait Prize, Packing Room Prize and People’s Choice Prize 2021 and 2022
“Khun Yai Buaphan” by Manop Momim
I was strolling along Rattanakosin Island and Ratchadamnoen Road and stopped by the Sake alley and Ratchanadda canal. I saw many local and homeless people. Some are beggars, some prostitutes. I met an old woman sitting there and was interested to talk to her; a 74-year-old woman who has become a sex worker because of financial problem during the pandemic. Buapan needs money to buy food for herself and to feed her cats. She is living alone and cannot get a job because of her age. Her story made me sad and emotional so I decided to tell Buapan’s story through my painting. I hope more people will be made aware of the difficult circumstances people are finding themselves in at this time. I hope people take interest in the stories of the sitters from all walks of life in this competition. I want to call to the attention of the government, the private sector and individuals: some people are encountering this pandemic crisis desperately.
“Learning in Covid Situation” by Tanawat Muratatunyaluk
I heard about this competition from my wife and I was so interested. I was thinking who I chose to paint and that person is my son, Ifel. He inspired me to keep going everyday. I had him when I was 42 years old which is considered as late compared to others. However, it doesn’t cause any troubles for me. I work mostly at home and my son was homeschooling. We spent time with each other almost all the time until he went to normal school last year. We didn’t spend less time with each other. Due to Covid-19, he had to study at home like the time when he was homeschooling. This allowed me to observe how he studied closely again. He will wake up early everyday waiting for the classes to start. I was so proud of his responsibilities. In addition, during the time of the pandemic, we have to stay safe at home. I would like to express my feelings in this portrait of him which is like a letter that collects a moment. I would like to express my intention in creating this artwork to make my son proud of me as well. We will get through this Covid-19 situation together.
“Work From Home” by Navapon Huanchaiyaphum
In the current situation, the number of deaths and infected people of Covid-19 has increased. Many countries around the world are facing problems from this epidemic as well. However, it is unlikely that the situation will improve, thus the government and corporate sectors are asking for people’s help in avoiding travel and working from home as much as possible in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Work From Home has become an option that makes us safe from COVID-19. Through oil linen painting, I was motivated to create a portrait of my family members which are my joy: my wife “Kik” and two sisters of my wife “Grace” and “Game” to document this current situation.
‘Relationships” by Teeraphong Kamolpu
Relationship is an important thing. Family relationships are a foundation for living. Family problems would affect how we live our life.
I have encountered family problems. I feel awkward and stuck in the middle because of problems caused by personalities, financial points of view, and diverse demands. Sometimes words can unavoidably harm someone else. It keeps stacking up over the past years. Silence might be a way out and it brought a positive result at the beginning. Anyway, it could worsen family relationships in the long run. We spent less time together and lived our life individually. A family member seems to be like someone else.
This competition has motivated me to reconcile my family relationship. I desire to bring everyone to live together once again. Although it was a short time, it’s so precious to live together. This will last in our memories as captured in this portrait.
“Time & Care” by Ronachart Mahakphichian
Who is the one who shows concern? Is it my grandfather who shows his concern to my father? Or is it my father who shows his concern toward my grandfather? Their facial expressions show that both show their concern toward each other. My father holds my grandfather’s wrinkled hand. He looks worried about his hand as it is the hand of a person who has been through obstacles in order to take care of his family and children. As my grandfather ages, he will become more susceptible to disease and disability. My father would like to take care of my grandfather as long as he can.
Meanwhile, my grandfather looks at my father with his ageing eyes. This pair of eyes has looked at my father since he was born. No matter how grown he is, you can still notice the way my grandfather looks at my father caringly.
The clock is ticking every day. There is no running back. It is the same in our life as well. There are only today and tomorrow. No one can freeze the good time so that happiness will last forever nor can we get rid of sorrow and sadness.
The love and care that my father and my grandfather is countless. Every morning, my grandfather will watch my father go to work and get back home in the evening. He has always been watching my father grow up. My grandfather’s health is my father’s concern. Sometimes, when my father got sick, he was afraid to tell my father as he realized that my father was working hard. However, due to my grandfather’s poor health, my father will always ask my grandfather about his health. My father used to tell me he knew everything has its own time. But it is impossible to ignore my grandfather.
“Painter in Painting” by Sirawit Suharitdumrong
Puntita Meeboonsabai or Bow is a talented young artist who creates unique artworks. She created such mesmerizing artworks that can make the audience feel like the living things in the painting are moving. Every element in the painting is well organized in order to create fantasy artwork. Her use of color is very unique. I consider her as one of the outstanding artists.
Jury of Portrait Prize 20222
Bangkok Governor announces Portrait Prize 2022 winner
“Bliss” by Thepporn Prikphet
I have known Mother Fong Kaew since birth. I call her Mae Kaew. I have been wanting to paint a picture of my mother for a long time but didn’t have a chance until this competition allowed me to do so. I painted my mother in her cat lover mode, wearing a comfortable dress showing her darkened upper arms that were caused by the sun when she was out farming.
Artist: เทพพร ปริกเพ็ชร / Thepporn Prikphet
Sitter: คุณแม่ฟองแก้ว ปริกเพ็ชร
“A Beloved Aunt with a Frail Body” by Jakkrit Srisongkram
I have two aunts, both of whom are my mother’s older sisters. The two aunts had no family responsibilities so they brought me up, raised me and provided for my education from when I was a child until I grew up. I now graduated and work to support myself. The two aunts gave me great love and care. Therefore, I have a lot of love and connection with my aunt, like my real mother. Both aunts are over 80 years old. Last year in October 2022, one of my aunts passed away. So I only had one aunt left, Auntie Sri-arun Chaiphan. She is an inspiration and a model for me to paint this portrait. Since her older sister passed away. Aunt Sri-arun feels lonely and lost in her thoughts, missing her older sister. Currently, Aunt Sri-arun and I live in the same house. The feeling of loneliness and absent-mindedness that she feels, I know and understand very well. Auntie’s daily lifestyle changed due to her old age. She is doing things more slowly. Her memory becomes foggy. Her body becomes fragile. Although her eyes become blurry, in Auntie’s heart, she still misses her older sister who has passed away a lot. And that’s how I feel. Therefore this became an inspiration that I want to express in this painting “A beloved aunt with a frail body”
Artist: จักรกฤษณ์ ศรีสงคราม / Jakkrit Srisongkram
Sitter: ศรีอรุณ ชัยพันธุ์
“Childhood Memories” by Supakorn Punyasong
A happy little boy sitting next to Grandma’s house in the picture is Nong Ongsa, who is my cousin. With a favourite dog that always stays by his side no matter what the little boy does. He makes me think back to when I was young. I liked to sit next to Grandma’s house with my favourite dog Chok in the midst of nature. I like to sit and watch the trees and feel comfortable. I like to draw because in nature there is something for me to discover. There are many things. The trees were not always green because I could see that the trees were purple and light reflected from nature are different colours that affect feelings, a colourful reflection to the mind to create a mystery that inspired me to have a passion for drawing even if there are any obstacles. And this is the inspiration that made me paint this picture because it is the origin and good memory that makes me love and like to draw until now. And I will continue to do it with love and pursue more knowledge and skill.
Artist: Supakorn Punyasong
Sitter: เตชิต วงษ์พันธ์
How the finalists and winners are chosen
Artists enter the competition by completing the form below with the required information, 300 words about the sitter, a photograph of their artwork (without frame), and a photograph of the live sitting (artist, sitter and canvas)
Finalists
The Portrait Prize is a ‘blind competition, meaning the jury will not know who painted the entry until the winners are announced and the exhibition is opened.
Photographs of portrait paintings are shared with the jury online, without reference to the artist. The jury will select 50 entries to be in the exhibition. In addition, 20 entries from artists 16 years of age and under will be selected for the exhibition.
The RCB Exhibition Team will contact each finalist to notify them of next steps.
Judging
The artwork of finalists will be received and installed at River City Bangkok by the RCB Team. The jury has the opportunity to view each portrait and read the story of the sitter prior to coming together for judging.
The jury is then convened to shortlist their favourite paintings, as they do discussing their choices. Slowly the seven person jury, guided by the Portrait Prize producer, come to agreement on the winner of the Portrait Prize.
This process is replicated for the Packing Room Prize, this time judged by the RCB Exhibitions Team.
Announcement
All finalist artists and their sitters are invited to the media event to announce the winning entries for the Portrait Prize, Packing Room Prize, and Youth Prize.
Following the ceremony, all are invited to view the exhibition. Its an opportunity for artists, sitters, media and officials to meet and discuss the paintings.
Exhibition
Everyone visiting the exhibition is invited to view the portraits, read the story of the sitters and vote for their favourite painting.
At the close of the exhibition the portrait with the most votes wins the People’s Choice Prize.
Artists are invited to sell their paintings to people visiting the exhibition. RCB Exhibitions Team will take each artist through this process when they are contacted as a finalist.
Some important notes for your diary
ENTRIES OPEN
Entries Close
Finalists Notified
Portrait, Packing Room & Youth Prizes Announced
Exhibition opens to the public
People’s Choice Prize voting starts
Exhibition closes
People’s Choice Prize announced
Italthai Portrait Prize 2023
Entries for Italthai Portrait Prize 2023 are now closed. Please follow our Instagram page for updates.
Keep In Touch
+66 2 237 0077-80
River City Bangkok
23 trok rongnamkaeng, yotha road
taladnoi sampantawong bangkok 10100
info@portraitprizethailand.com
www.portraitprizethailand.com