Artist : Khien Yimsiri
Technique : Bronze sculpture
Year : 1949
Size : 56 x 36 x 38 cm.

Musical Rhythm won first prize in the National Exhibition of Art in 1949 when its creator was only 27 years old. It is now considered to be one of the most beautiful modern Thai sculptures of its time. The sculptor in question is Khien Yimsiri. A Bangkokian by birth, he graduated from Rongrian Praneetsilpapakam, now known as Silpakorn University, in 1941. He was among the first group of students taught by the much respected Professor Silpa Bhirasri, who greatly influenced and directed the development of modern art in Thailand.

What set Musical Rhythm apart is its fluid shape. The bronze material seems to be harmoniously moving with the music the young man is playing on his flute. His body is leaned back as if taking a breath in between notes, the gentle bend of his neck readying his perched lips to come into contact with his instrument. These are such fine details that spoke to the sculptor’s skills in creating life-like accents to a solid sculpture. There are many other details that evoke joy, such as the slight bend of the index fingers on the instrument, the popped left hip as if he is swaying with the music and the big toe that is pointing upwards finding balance.

The fine and elongated limbs are a direct visual reference to Buddha statues of the Sukhothai era (1238 – 1438), a strong inspiration for him as an artist and scholar. The Western elements were picked up during the time Khien was a student with Silpa Bhirasri and whilst studying abroad in England and Italy from 1949 to 1954.

Music Rhythm therefore became a symbol for Thai identity of its time, capturing the simple joy of life through dancing and music and other Thai characteristics such as the casual hair style and relaxed sarong.