Biography

Buddhist philosophy is the major source of energy in Apichai's art. By exploring and creating new forms and interpretations of traditional symbols, he finds a new space and modern approach to religious practice.

Apichai adapts familiar Buddhist images, such as the Buddha's footprint, the form of boundary stones that surround the most important building in the Thai Buddhist temple complex, amulets and the circle of life, in ways that inspire the art viewer to consider codes of living on the path to enlightenment. He sees great value in Buddhist teachings, which promote wisdom and concentration, and appreciates Thai Buddhist meditation techniques as useful tools to help us cope with the struggles and challenges of daily life.

A heightened awareness of aesthetics and balance is apparent in Apichai's creations, which often feature gold leaf and natural materials of stone, soil and handmade paper. He experiments with various media, including lithographs, painting and installations.

When he was a young boy, Apichai studied at a temple school and enjoyed being near the mural paintings. In his third year of study for a BFA at Silpakorn University in Bangkok, Apichai focused on lithographs and graduated with an MFA in 1991. He was awarded a scholarship to Germany to study at the Hochschule für Bildende Künste Braunschweig during 1993 to 1995 where he continued to develop his lithograph technique.

An integral member of the team of young Thai artists who painted the Buddha Padipa Temple in London during 1987 to 1988, Apichai was also involved in the painting of murals for the Expo Pavillion in Brisbane in 1988.

In 1990, Apichai began a series of artworks concerning the boundary stones which mark the building housing the most sacred Buddha image in the Thai Buddhist temple compound. He moved onto work with the image of the Buddha's footprint in 1991. The special atmosphere created by the candlelight in ordination halls particularly impresses him.

For Apichai, Buddhist teachings help us to recognize and understand human nature; that in life our feelings change, emotions rise and fall, and all things pass.