Bangkok, 20 December 2021: Intouch Holdings Plc. (INTOUCH) has announced the results of its Thai Art and Literature Conservation Contest for the year 2021 (the 15th consecutive year). This contest was held under two themes, namely “High morale creates great power” and “Giving satisfaction to both givers and receivers”. Forty-five winning entrants were awarded scholarships, totaling 1,425,000 baht. The winners in the high school and undergraduate categories received trophies bestowed by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
Mr. Kim Siritaweechai, President of INTOUCH, made the following comments: “The Covid-19 pandemic and recent floods have adversely impacted people’s lives. We therefore wish to pass on encouragement through artwork created from the imagination of young minds in order to cheer everyone up and overcome the hard times with positive motivational power when these pictures are viewed together.”
The award-winning entries at each level were as follows: Primary School – “Cruising to see glow-worms dance at Amphawa canal” by Ms. Natwara Sanewirush, Studio Art Institute in Pathum Thani; Junior High School – “Pra Maha Chanok” by Mr. Siraphop Ruypring, Suphanburi College of Dramatic Art; High School – “Life” by Mr. Teerapat Promchai, The First Arts Institute in Amnat Charoen; and Undergraduate – “New Composition” by Mr. Siriroj Kotwongsa, Silpakorn University in Bangkok. All the results of the contest can be found at: www.intouchstation.com
We were honored to have six seasoned specialists in visual arts and literature on the judging panel, namely Mr. Chalermchai Kositpipat, 2011 National Artist in Visual Arts (Painting), Mr. Panya Vijinthanasarn, 2014 National Artist in Visual Arts (Sculpture), Mr. Sangkom Thongmee, Director of the Sirindhorn Art Centre, Mr. Sathianpong Wannapok, Thai Royal Master, Mr. Naovarat Pongpaiboon, 1993 National Artist in Literature (Poetry), and Mr. Tawatchai Somkong, Editor-in-Chief of Fine Art magazine.
Mr. Naovarat Pongpaiboon, one of the judges, made the following comments: “The development of children during the 15 years of this contest is reflected by the progress of integrating literature with painting. The skills and abilities of children from different levels seamlessly shine out. Literature is the civilization of social wisdom, while painting is the charm of civilization. This may be the only forum for an art contest that combines literature and painting for mutual inspiration, and turns art into silent power that enables social value creation and lifts up people’s minds to make their lives happy.”
Mr. Panya Vijinthanasarn, one of the judges in Fine Arts, made the following comments: “The special attraction of this year’s contest is the imagination that emerges from its new dimension. Many pieces of art interpret the core content behind them, reflecting the present, future or past. The viewers’ imaginations may be triggered by the paintings of young artists. This is the ultimate creative deliverable, because art does not necessarily communicate or describe stories from the painters’ perspectives. Instead, artists should stimulate people’s imagination to liberally interpret their work, develop new points of view, and generate ideas. To me this is the key takeaway of modern arts.”
To appreciate beneficence and commemorate the invaluable works of Khunying Wimon Siriphaibun (Thommayantri), 2012 National Artist (Literature), the contest had a special award in 2021 called “Literature Picture in the Heart”, which was given to Ms. Panida Polsrida of Somkidjit Wittaya School in Chonburi for the entry “The Great Dream”, along with an education grant of 10,000 baht.
Art admirers and the general public can view all the award-winning entries at www.intouchstation.com or www.facebook.com/intouchstation and purchase them online. All the proceeds, with no deductions for expenses, will be donated to the Princess Sirindhorn Foundation for the “Graduates Return Home” project, which grants scholarships to underprivileged students with good academic records. This project provides educational opportunities for young people to help them grow into useful members of society.