The Thai Celadon, Chiang Mai, will be exhibiting a very unique and exciting series of work, created by the employees of the factory at Pongnoi Art Space from 5-26 April 2009 (close 12-15 April, during Songkran holiday). These one off hand made ceramic pieces have been crafted under the guidance and assistance of the factory's first artist-in-residence, a Thai-born Australian artist, Vipoo Srivilasa. Vipoo's stated theme for the work, “Monsters by Hands” challenge the perception of the typical factory products by blurring the concepts of handmade and mass production.

Vipoo also invited a local photographer, Jatturong Sartkhum, to document and help tell the behind the scene stories of the individual artists and their respective creative process. "For 49 years, we have crafted celadons in traditional organic practice as once when it started. To infuse liveliness and extend celadon prospective, this art collaboration was born in 2009. Vipoo's stay makes a dazzling start of our artist-in-residence program. The project dissolves protocol and proves that creativity and fun have no age-limit." "We are looking for more to come." happily said Taksabhongse Bodhipakti, Thai Celadon Executive Director. This exhibition will be the highlight of the collaboration of Vipoo and Thai Celadon, and is just one of a series of events Thai Celadon will be conducting over this and the following year to celebrate its 50th birthday of making Celadon wares. In a notable 2000 years history of celadon, man created pottery that resembles jade by the beautiful green transparent glaze with fine crackle. This sophisticated art using wood ash makes celadon well admired. And just like jade, celadon conveys a meaning of soundness and protection from negativities. In 1960 Thai Celadon, founded by Dr. Rak Panyarachun and Ms. Maxine North, had brought Thailand's then-fading celadon pottery backinto- the-spotlight and well established Chiangmai as Thailand's Celadon Art&Craft Capital of the Rattanakosin Era. Thai Celadon welcomes artists and beginners to join the residency for a down-to-earth and original celadon in Thailand experience. Contact: info@thaiceladononline.com

About Vipoo Srivilasa: Born in Bangkok, Vipoo Srivilasa received a Bachelor of Arts in Ceramics at Rangsit University in Bangkok before moving to Australia in 1999. After his arrival, he obtained a Graduate Diploma of Arts from Monash University, Melbourne as well as a Master of Fine Art and Design (Ceramic) from University of Tasmania. Vipoo has held numerous solo and group exhibitions around Australia and in South East Asia, USA, Korea, Thailand, India and China. He is a recipient of many grants, awards and residencies in Thailand and abroad and his art is owned by many public Australian art galleries and private collections.

About Jatturong Sartkhum: Jatturong graduate from King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang. His work has been included in many exhibitions including “The shot" at Ji-Qoo Art space and "Delicate Strength" at Yesterday Hotel.

PONGNOI - ART SPACE 161 Moo 5 Thumbol Suthep, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200

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