Chatuchak is fast becoming Bangkok's most vibrant art hub. It's long been known for the weekend market's bustling "Art Zone" (see right), which is an unprentetious answer to the high-brow galleries of Silom and Sukhumvit. But the neighborhood's green spaces and quiet atmosphere is now attracting top-level institutions, too. MOCA opened further to the North, gathering the kingdom's foremost artists in one stunning structure. Numthong Gallery is showcasing today's edgiest names in contemporary art. And Sala Sudasiri Sobha is the city's most refined concert hall.
Sala Sudasiri Sobha was founded by Nat Yontararak, an award-winning classical pianist, composer and teacher. Loogtan, Nat’s daughter and the concert hall’s manager, says that the character of Chatuchak played a big part in the choice of location. “We decided to build it here because the area also has a peaceful atmosphere. It’s tucked down a dead-end lane, not too far from the main road but quiet enough for our music-related activities like concerts, training and sound recording, none of which can happen if you’re near a noisy, bustling road.”
Loogtan adds that it sits in a neighborhood known for its well-cultured residents—affluent and educated classical music admirers. It’s also not far from the Thailand Cultural Center and Muangthai Ratchadalai Theater, Bangkok’s two other main performance halls. “And the new train station will be right beside us too, bringing more like-minded people to the area,” says Loogtan.
Music isn't the only art represented in Chatuchak. Narate Kathong's Artlover Gallery is just one of the many galleries at the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Narate has been exhibited throughout the world and has won multiple awards.
With a cultural range that spans affordable art at an open-air market to refined classical concert halls and avant-garde galleries, Chatuchak and its environs are now Bangkok's most exciting playground for art enthusiasts.
Where to admire the visual arts
So you know where to indulge in music? Now check out these places to both look at and purchase the work of Thailand’s hottest artistic talent.
Chatuchak Weekend Market “Art Zone”
JJ Market is vast, but art lovers know where to go: Section 7. At this remote section at the farright corner of the bazaar, young and veteran artists gather to display everything from old paintings to watercolors, etchings, charcoals and sculptures. Prices vary depending on your bargaining skills. Phahonyothin and Kamphaeng Phet Rd. Open Sat-Sun, 10am-7pm
Numthong Gallery
This is the new location for one of Bangkok’s best-known dealers, Numthong Sae Tang. With years of experience in the art business, he curates masterpieces from both established and emerging Thai and international artists, including Montien Boonma, Chatchai Puipia, Vasan Sitthiket, Kamin Lertchaiprasert and Michael Shaowanasai. Ari Soi 5, Phahonyothin Soi 7, 02-617-2794. Open Mon-Sat 11am-6pm. www.gallerynumthong.com
MOCA
Further to the north on Viphavadi-Rangsit Road, you’ll find telecom tycoon Boonchai Becharongkul’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). Here, he displays his vast collection of paintings, drawings and sculptures from notable Thai contemporary artists. The highlight is the country’s largest collection of Tawan Duchanee paintings. 499 Kamphaengphet 6 Rd., Ladyao, Chatuchak, 02-953-1005/-7. Open Tue-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat-Sun 11am-6pm. www.mocabangkok.com
Brought to you by Sansiri. Find out more about living in Chatuchak at thelinebkk.com
Brought to you by Sansiri. Find out more about living in Chatuchak at thelinebkk.com
