Museum of Contemporary Art, MOCA
499 Kamphaengphet 6 Road, Ladyao, Chatuchak (metro station «Mo Chit»)
Situated in the northern part of the city, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is one of the Bangkok youngest and the most noteworthy museums. It represents a worthwhile visit, not only for connoisseurs of art, but for everyone who wants to get in touch with Thailand’s artistic soul: the archetypal mélange of traditions and modernity can best be seen in the works of contemporary Thai artists.
MOCA was opened as aninitiative by the local billionaire and collector Boonchai Bencharongkul, back in the spring of 2012 and it was his own private collection that became a basis for museum’s exposition. It consisted of some 400 works of modern art, most of which he had gathered over the last thirty years. The vast majority of the works on display were created by Thai artists and, therefore, this local collection can be considered as an original reflection of the last 60 years in Thailand's art history.
The Museum’s halls, which are located within a five-storey building, house works from more than 100 contemporary artists: these include paintings, pictures, sculptures as well as many other installations. They also include about 100 works by the world-famous Thai master Thawan Duchanee. Other prominent artists, whose pictures are presented in Bangkok MOCA, are Hem Vejakorn, Chalermchai Kositpipat, Suchao Sisganes, Thawee Nandakwang and Chalem Nakiraks.
The museum exhibits’ theme and style are typically eclectic. There are traditional Thai paintings with scenes from Buddhist mythology, pictures depicting the everyday life of Thailand, but also sculptures, in which the influence of the West can be distinctly seen.
According to the Bangkok museum’s creator, the exhibited works (often many of which are in a surrealist style) reflect the changing rhythms of the Thai life: “We believe in destiny, karma and rely on gods who decide our these. It’s all part of our sub-consciousness, but the paintings reflect it.” Thus, visiting MOCA is an opportunity not only to get acquainted with Thailand’s contemporary art, but also to form a different opinion on the multi-faceted Thai culture, better understanding the locals’ mentality, character and style of life.
A small café and a souvenir shop operate at the museum.
