Thai artist Verapat Sitipol takes inspiration from Mother Nature and the environment he grew up in for his art. Marking his European debut at the Parisian gallery, Over The Influence, Verapat’s solo “Magical Forest” is his second show with the gallery, having exhibited with them in Bangkok in January 2022.
The new series of paintings continues to explore his fascination with the natural landscape and his spiritual ideology that everything is interconnected. “Nowadays we encounter more and more effects of global warming. That’s why my latest series is different from before. In 'Magical Forest', I focus on the natural stream from waterfalls. The flowing water is the origin of life, creatures, trees and forests. It brings life, freshness, shade and cool. If blood nourishes the human body, water is the blood of any ecosystem,” Verapat explains.
Verapat’s painterly aesthetic is that the external world is filled with abundant beauty and life truths that are best expressed with a paintbrush and a vibrant palette. “My aim is to create a painting that reflects my experience of walking through the forest. Often getting lost in unpredictable moments creates a sense of joy, bravery and calmness. These limitless experiences always challenge me to keep the position of my creative goals, whether appreciating the beauty of nature or searching for their inherent value amidst it all," he says.
Known to start with an entirely black-painted canvas that he fills with lush and bright hues to emulate the vibrant energy that the natural world creates daily, Verapat’s paintings are an existential representation of life and death of the environment. As the forest landscape grows and takes shape into wild foliage, somewhere is a flower withering away while nearby another one blooms into life. This is the cycle of life that is expressed within the works.
“Magical Forest” pays respects to the numerous waterfalls that are found in Thailand. “I’m so lucky to create my work with inspirations from the great power of nature. I need to share this pure beauty with everyone. And, they should realise the peaceful world driven by the nature. So, as a human, we should save nature because nature also saves us,” he says emphatically.
“There is quite a difference between exhibiting abroad and in Thailand. In some countries, art seems to be a priority in society. Most of the people have much more experience about art appreciation with depth and breadth. So, the art criticism is just like normal discussions in daily life. All of these makes my current exhibition in a new place having a big difference from where I come from.
“As my birthplace, Thailand is the country of joy and known as the Land of Smiles. I have grown up in this warmhearted culture. These emotions have unconsciously influenced my practice as a painter to keep the harmony between vibrant and warm reflections of the world around us. This philosophy mirrors my DNA of my paintings,” he says.
“Magical Forest” is on display at Over the Influence Paris, 2 Rue Des Saussaies Paris, France, until March 11. Visit overtheinfluence.com.
