Professor Emeritus Chalood Nimsamer, National Artist in Visual Arts (Sculpture), 1998

(1929-2015)

Professor Emeritus Chalood Nimsamer was born on May 2, 1929, in Bang Waek Subdistrict, Phasi Charoen District, Thonburi Province (now Bangkok). He completed his secondary education at Wat Nuannoradit School and subsequently earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in sculpture with first-class honors from Silpakorn University in 1954.

After receiving his bachelor’s degree in 1954, he was awarded a scholarship from the Italian  Government to further his studies in Rome. There, he received a Diploma di Decorazione from L’Academia di Belle Arti di Roma in 1958 and a Certificate di Ceramica from C.A.L.A.L. Roma. In 1963, he obtained a certificate of lithography from the Pratt Graphic Center in the United States and embarked on a two-month art study tour in Italy and France.

In 1965, Professor Emeritus Chalood Nimsamer established the Department of Printmaking at the Faculty of Painting, Sculpture, and Graphic Arts, Silpakorn University. This initiative significantly contributed to the growth of the printmaking art scene in Thailand, leading to the widespread study of printmaking in various art institutions across the country. He assumed the role of acting Dean of the Faculty of Painting, Sculpture, and Graphic Arts in 1971, handling both teaching and administrative responsibilities. He effectively modernized the curriculum, particularly in creative subjects such as painting, sculpture, printmaking, drawing, and art composition. Professor Emeritus Chalood Nimsamer served as a faculty member at Silpakorn University until his retirement.

Professor Emeritus Chalood Nimsamer received numerous accolades, including the 3rd Prize Bronze Medal in Painting at the 4th National Exhibition of Art in 1953; the 1st Prize Gold Medal in Monochromatic Art and the 2nd Prize Silver Medal in both Painting and Sculpture at the 6th National Exhibition of Art in 1955; and the 1st Prize Gold Medal in both Painting and Printmaking and the 2nd Prize Silver Medal in Sculpture at the 7th National Exhibition of Art in 1956. In 1959, he received the 1st Prize Gold Medal in Painting at the 10th National Exhibition of Art and was recognized as an Outstanding Artist in Painting. He also received printmaking awards from the International Biennial of Graphic Art in Ljubljana, Yugoslavia, in 1963, and the 4th International Biennial of Prints in Tokyo, Japan, in 1964, enhancing his international reputation.

Professor Emeritus Chalood Nimsamer held several solo exhibitions, including his first at Galerie Tholoze in Montmartre, France, in 1957; a solo exhibition at A.U.A. Bangkok in 1963; and a solo exhibition at Two World Gallery, John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, USA, in 1968. Other notable exhibitions include “Paper Works,” featuring the “Visual Poetry” and “Diary” series in 1984; “CHALOOD NIMSAMER: Prints – Drawing – Mixed Media 1953-1999” in 1999 in 1999; “STREAM OF LIFE” at the Art Centre, Silpakorn University, in 2010; and “Chalood’s Mural Painting – Retrospective” at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre in 2013. He also participated in numerous national and international group exhibitions

Professor Emeritus Chalood Nimsamer’s artistic philosophy emphasized “simplicity with power,” blending universal geometric forms with Thai motifs, balancing local cultural content with modernity, and communicating the spirit of Thainess through contemporary aesthetics. His works have become symbols of modern Thai art, maintaining classicism and serving as a model for younger artists to create pieces that preserve Thai identity while remaining contemporary. His works are permanently displayed in significant venues such as the National Museum Bangkok, the Queen Sirikit Gallery, and Silpakorn University. He once stated, “I believe that art is an expression of the essence of humanity. Beauty can express goodness, which is the essence of humanity. My art tends to be about goodness, peace, purity, and warmth. The forms and stories may change as needed, but the inner life, which is the core of art, remains unchanged.”