Artist : Pratuang Emjaroen
Technique : Oil on canvas
Year : 1972
Size : 65.5 x 114 cm.
“… My art school can be anywhere such as on the ground, under water, in the sky…” – Pratuang Emjaroen
1972 is considered to be the last year of Pratuang Emjaroen’s first period of his artistic career. During his years of development pre 1973, before the years where his artworks became a direct confrontation of political and social issues, the artist was exploring art as a channel of creative expression. Whilst he experimented with many techniques and styles, The Earth, being created in 1972 embodies the great crossroad of what his artworks are about to become. The theme is still very connected to the artist’s core values of respecting nature and its physical boundaries, his colour choices bare the signatures of his iconic series with earth tones and rays of projected bright energy. It is only the year prior to this painting in 1971 where Pratuang founded the Dhamma Group whose focus was on manifesting beauty and goodness within nature and life. The general concept for members of the group were to be a representative of mankind, to lead with their true mind and have devotion towards working on components that benefit society. The group were also known about critiquing inequality in Thailand and in the later years, their political comments became more prominent.
The Earth is already showing great movements within the painting, another unique stylisation of the artist’s paint strokes. Peaks of light as a base layer of the painting are scattered around the canvas, embracing hope as always amongst the bad and evil. Another subject Pratuang explored extensively throughout his career.
It was only 10 years earlier before this painting in 1962 that the artist had decided upon a change in his life directions. From working as a commercial billboard painter to being a full time artist in the hopes to contribute to society more so than being a simple employee. He eventually found gradual success after submitting his works to art competitions and won top prizes. It wasn’t long until other young artists wanted to learn from him.
Pratuang Emjaroen spent the next decades of his life dedicated to creating art. A daily activity, drawing and painting is an integral part of his everyday life. His generosity towards the younger generations of artists and his idealism have inspired many to follow their true calling. His work will forever mark a great period in Thai Art history and an important figure for self-taught artists around the world.