Bundit Padungvichian

1. 1941 currently resides and works in Ratchaburi, Thailand.

Bundit Padungvichian received his degree from the Faculty of Painting, Sculpture, and Graphic Arts at Silpakorn University, where he was among the last generation of students taught by Professor Silpa Bhirasri. Throughout his career, he has received numerous artistic awards and honors. A notable recent honor is the honorary doctorate in visual communication design from the Faculty of Decorative Arts, Silpakorn University, in 2015, recognizing his lifelong dedication as an art instructor for over 36 years. Prior to this honor, he received awards from the National Exhibition of Art, including the Second Prize, Silver Medal, for his work “Charity Dance” in 1968 and “The Song of the Blind Musicians” in 1965, as well as the Third Prize, Bronze Medal, for “Crossing the Zebra Crossing” in 1965.

Padungvichian consistently participated in important group exhibitions at the National Exhibition of Art during the 1960s. His notable solo exhibitions include “My Art on the Path of Inspiration” at the Art and Design Gallery, Faculty of Decorative Arts, Silpakorn University, Wang Tha Phra in 2016, and “Opening the Record of 70 Years: Art and Life” in 2011. His exhibitions across different periods reflect his enduring artistic endeavor and affirm his status as a significant artist in the Thai art scene.

Padungvichian distinguishes his works by blending gentleness, brightness, and the vitality of people, flowers, and everyday life. His junior artist, Chakrabhand Posayakrit, once referred to him as the “Chagall of Thailand”* due to the endearing, gentle, and imaginative qualities of his paintings. However, beneath this beautiful and charming atmosphere, his works often harbor deep social dimensions, particularly in conveying the feelings of the people and the oppressive conditions in society, such as poverty and social injustice, which are often depicted through the struggles of everyday life in his paintings. A major work like “The Farmer” is a clear example reflecting this perspective, and it is currently part of the collection at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA BANGKOK).

After retiring from his long career as an instructor, Bundit Padungvichian chose to live a peaceful and simple life as a bird-watching artist in Yang Hak sub-district, Pak Tho district, Ratchaburi province. He built the “Bird House” to serve as both his private art gallery and residence amidst nature. Currently, he continues to create artworks, grow crops, and live in close harmony with nature. This space serves as both his home and a reflection of a tranquil late-life existence that resonates with his artistic spirit.