Read in English / 阅读语言 ไทย

Manoth Kittichivan and Flowers, Hours, and Moments

“Flowers, Hours, and Moments,” the second full-scale solo exhibition by Manoth Kittichivan, transforms the Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University Art Gallery into a space where viewers can trace the long artistic journey of one of Thailand’s leading watercolor artists—an artist who once collaborated with the global luxury house Gucci.

A work by Manoth Kittichivan created for Gucci’s “Gucci Tian” project in 2006

Exhibition view of Flowers, Hours, and Moments

Upon entering the exhibition, watercolors and acrylic paintings unfold like chapters of “hours” across the artist’s life. Manoth’s signature floral motifs—gentle, refined, and deceptively simple—carry echoes of his decades-long career as an illustrator for Baan Lae Suan magazine between 1990 and 2013, a span of more than 23 years. These works mark the foundation that later led him to become a full-time artist and the creator of his homeware brand, Manoth K.

Time, Pathways, and New Experiments

Manoth shared that “this entire exhibition traces the stories of my life and my working style, beginning from the works installed along the left wall—this is the part I really wanted to highlight.” He then led me to the right-hand side of the gallery, adding, “This new series is a bit sparkly, playful even (laughs). I wanted it to feel slightly cartoonish, bright, and accessible to younger audiences.”

Manoth Kittichivan with his new playful series

For me, this was the first time seeing Manoth venture into such a whimsical and lighthearted visual language. It felt refreshing rather than unexpected—especially once he explained that this was indeed his first attempt at embracing a cartoon-like, cheerful tone. The series opens a new space within his practice, expanding both form and communication with younger viewers.

Beyond the paintings, the exhibition also presents mixed-media works and papier-mâché sculptures illuminated with soft internal lighting. These pieces enhance the immersive quality of the show. As I walked through the space, I felt a gentle calm—like being surrounded by flowers softly swaying in a private garden. It created small but meaningful “moments” where art and viewer quietly conversed.