The 12th White Elephant Art Award focuses on realistic and figurative art which refers to art that depicts everyday objects, figures or subjects in a realistic or true-to-life way. After The White Elephant Art Award announced a theme of "Cherish The World", two artists -- Jarun Pan-onta and Surapun Kwansaensuk -- drew inspiration from nature to create paintings. As a result, Jarun won the White Elephant Prize while Surapun won a special prize called the Khunying Wanna Sirivadhanabhakdi Award, created for the first time.
Despite working as an artist for over 20 years, Jarun had never won major awards at art competitions. In the past, he received honourable mentions from the Panasonic Contemporary Painting Competition, Asia Plus Art Contest and Amata Art Award. Therefore, he did not expect to win the White Elephant Art Award and was surprised.
"When I saw a text from the White Elephant Art Award, I thought I had another honourable mention. But after I carefully read the message, I realised that I had actually won the White Elephant Prize. I was thrilled and woke my son up to share the good news," said Jarun with a chuckle.
