Angkarn Kallayanapong, National Artist in Literature (Poetry), 1989

(1926 – 2012)

Angkarn Kallayanapong was born in Nakhon Si Thammarat. As a child, he was named Somprasong, but after suffering a severe illness that nearly took his life, his family renamed him Boonsong. Later, Kallayanapong chose the name Angkarn himself, symbolizing his rebirth from ashes. He completed his elementary education at Wat Chantaram School and Benjamarachutit School in Nakhon Si Thammarat. For higher education, he attended Poh Chang Academy of Arts before continuing at the Faculty of Painting and Sculpture, Silpakorn University, as part of the 4th generation of students under the guidance of Professor Silpa Bhirasri. However, he had to leave the university in his third year before completing his degree.

Throughout his career, Angkarn Kallayanapong gained widespread recognition for his contributions to both literature and fine art. His literary and artistic achievements were particularly acclaimed in the Thai cultural scene. He was awarded the Outstanding Poet Award by the Sathirakoses-Nagapradjpa Foundation in 1972 and received the Southeast Asian Writers Award (S.E.A. Write Award) for his poetry collection “Panithan Kawee” in 1986. In 1989, he was named National Artist for Literature (Poetry) and was honored with a royal award and honorary pin by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Additionally, in 1992, he was conferred the Companion (Fourth Class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant. Kallayanapong participated in numerous solo and group art exhibitions both in Thailand and abroad. In 1963, he exhibited in the Thai Artist Group Exhibition in Singapore, followed by a 1964 exhibition at the Faculty of Architecture, Chulalongkorn University, and The Gift Gallery on Phetchaburi Road. In 1971, he participated in a group exhibition at the British Council, Bangkok. Later, he was honored with retrospective exhibitions at the Art Centre, Silpakorn University (Wang Thapra), in 1997 and again in 2008, celebrating his 72nd and 81st birthdays, respectively.

Angkarn Kallayanapong’s artistic style is characterized by a unique and profound approach to both literature and visual art. His poetry is known for its free-flowing expression, rich language, and unconventional style, which set him apart as a pioneer of modern Thai poetry. In fine art, he was recognized for his mastery of crayon and charcoal techniques, using swift yet powerful strokes to convey philosophical and Buddhist themes. In his later years, Angkarn faced several health issues and passed away from kidney failure on August 25, 2012. His legacy continues to be studied and exhibited in various art institutions, including MOCA BANGKOK.

Reference:

The Art Auction Center. (n.d.). Angkarn Kalayanapong: The charcoal poet proclaiming poems and moral lessons. Retrieved March 12, 2025, from https://theartauctioncenter.com/angkarn-kalayanapong-the-charcoal-poet-proclaiming-poems-and-moral-lessons/

Angkarn Archives. (n.d.). Angkarn Kalayanapong: The archives. Retrieved March 12, 2025, from https://www.angkarnarchives.com/en/