Methodically repeating the same activity, with small but significant
variations, over weeks and months, Haritorn Akarapat experiments with the notion of time and consciousness. Thus, focusing our attention on the most basic elements of our experience of the world. Relaying facts of his existence in this way reflects Haritorn Akarapat’s grounding in Buddhism and Existential philosophy.
As a visual transcript of life’s passing, the “2,000 Buddha” Paintings take on something of the quality of a ritual or liturgy, marking the passage of the artist's life. The outline of the sitting Buddha figures, inspired by local folk art are hand painted by the artist, filled in with several coats of Indian ink and shades of orange to red pigments, creating as a whole a sense of sparkling stillness and rich harmony.
Haritorn’s work is built on contrasts. In this showcase the infinite number of Buddha paintings, neatly framed and ordered in lines dramatically contrast with raw, wood sculptures or totems set in the center of the space. For the first time experiencing wood, Haritorn imprints the matter with a lyrical humor translating again the existentialist concept of authenticity in this act of bare freedom.
The viewers are invited to stroll through the ageless wood poles as if they were ambling in a forest of memories, beliefs, ancient tales and everyday episodes of life. Haritorn’s poetic and discrete engravings in the wood remind us that the value of life is life itself.

About Haritorn Akarapat:
A graduate of Thailand’s prestigious Silpakorn University, Haritorn Akarapat (b.1961) has developed a unique approach to patina for bronze sculpture. The raw, vivid shapes and colors used in his sculptures and paintings are an invitation to re-connect the viewer with his primal emotions. Akarapat has continuously astonished the art scene with his innovative sculptures since graduating in the 80ies. Will it be bronze, plaster or recycled materials his public and gallery works often imbued with Buddhist theories are always a great interactive experience.
Haritorn Akarapat has been the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the superior price at the 7th Henry Moore grand price exhibition Hakone-Utsukushi-Ga-Hara Open Air Museum, Japan (1991), his work can be found in the private collection of King Rama 10 Somdet Phra Boromma-Orasathirat at the Sukhotai palace, he was part of the public art event “Ratchaprasong art maze” 2016, Bangkok, and part of Bukruk urban arts festival 2013, Bangkok. He held several major solo exhibitions in Bangkok’s top galleries including the 100 Tonson Gallery (2004), the Tang contemporary gallery (2009) and the Toot Yung Art Center (2018). He also was commissioned several large-scale public projects; 15 meters high bronze Buddha, Wat Damongkol, Bangkok (2008), 4 meters high bronze mermaid, PTT commission for the island of Koh Samed (2016).

Opening reception
On the occasion of Haritorn Akarapat’s solo exhibition, the Toot Yung Art Center will proudly launch the “Boutique”, a space designed by art center patron Udom Dansakchai to host a curated selection of objects, affordable art items, prints, local crafts Etc.
Drinks, food and music will be provided by the Toot Yung Art Center.

Further information, contact, RSVP
Myrtille Tibayrenc
Art Center Director
[email protected]
Mob: +66 (0) 849145499 (Eng)
Mob: +66 (0) 863121377 (Thai)
Address: 74/3 Moo 4, Kilek, Mae Rim, 50180, Chiang Mai, Thailand