The Italthai Portrait Prize has gained recognition for fostering creativity and providing a platform for artists to display their mastery of portraiture. The 2024 edition promises to be even more spectacular, as we anticipate the active participation and contributions of artists from diverse backgrounds. We extend a special invitation to artists across various regions and cultural backgrounds in Thailand, encouraging their participation to enrich the diversity and inclusivity that characterize this competition in contemporary portraiture.
This year, we aim to inspire painters to expand their horizons beyond their immediate circles of family and friends. We encourage them to depict individuals who have left a mark on Thai society in various ways. Winners will not only receive substantial cash prizes but will also gain valuable exposure and recognition in the art world, elevating their profiles to new heights. The finalists will have the opportunity to exhibit their portraits in the Italthai Portrait Prize Exhibition 2024, with a chance to win the Portrait Prize, including a cash prize of 500,000 THB. Additionally, there is a Packing Room Prize of 200,000 THB, a Youth Prize of 100,000 THB, and the People’s Choice Prize of 100,000 THB for the portrait that receives the most votes from the public.
The judging panel for the Italthai Portrait Prize competition consisted of seven opinion leaders from the business and private sectors. This year, we proudly welcome two esteemed individuals to our judging panel: Ms. Adulaya Hoontrakul, Director of the Bangkok Art & Culture Centre (BACC), and Mr. Voranai Vanijaka, Journalist & College Lecturer. Adulaya’s role as BACC Director enhances our panel’s expertise in selecting and nurturing artistic talent, given her keen eye for emerging artists. Voranai, a seasoned journalist and college lecturer, contributes a unique perspective that bridges journalism and academia. Together, they reinforce our commitment to excellence and the nurturing of the next generation of artistic brilliance.
The jury of the Italthai Portrait Prize 2024 competition consisted of seven opinion leaders from the business and private sectors, as follows:
- Mr. Yuthachai Charanachitta, Group CEO of Italthai Group
- Ms. Adulaya Hoontrakul, Director of the Bangkok Art & Culture Centre (BACC)
- Ms. Pranapda Chirathivat, Founder & Chairwoman of Dragonfly 360
- M.L. Kathathong Thongyai, Assistant Director – General of Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce
- Mr. Tom Van Blarcom, Managing Director of Total Quality PR (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
- Ms. Naphalai Areesorn, Journalist & Editor
- Mr. Voranai Vanijaka, Journalist & College Lecturer
This year we welcome two new jury Ms. Adulaya and Mr. Voranai. As a Director of BACC, Ms. Adulaya Hoontrakul is excited and honored to be part of the Portrait Prize as a new jury member. “While portraiture highlights the pinnacle of artistic skill, I also believe that portraits can carry many features from our cultural environment, where it is a screen upon which we can project our anxieties and desires. Making portraiture one of the most impactful kinds of art, there is”
Mr. Voranai Vanijaka, Journalist & College Lecturer, also adds, “Bangkok is a melting pot; the city wears many faces. Some faces are often highlighted. Some are often hidden. I’m hoping this year we will see submissions that illustrate the diverse faces that truly represent the city we live in.”
Speaking about this year’s Portrait Prize, Mr. Yuthachai Charanachitta, Group CEO, Italthai Group, said, “ It gives me great pleasure to support the Italthai Portrait Prize, which strives to promote diversity, encourage creativity, and provide a forum for amateur and professional artists to express their unique abilities, where each stroke of the brush tells a narrative and each color on the palette reflects a different aspect of our Thai society.
By continuing to support the Italthai Portrait Prize, we hope to build a canvas that portrays the vast tapestry of human and societal experiences. We believe in the power of embracing diversity and valuing various perspectives. And we hope that this competition will act as a catalyst for the growth of Thailand artistic industry and a stage for rising talent to shine.”
Ms. Linda Cheng, Managing Director of River City Bangkok added: “We want to see portraits of people who are making a difference to society, people in the limelight but also people quietly doing good things. In short, share their narrative on life in Thailand.
Join us in celebrating the beauty and diversity of portraiture at the Italthai Portrait Prize 2024 – where every stroke tells a compelling story.
Artists, both emerging and established, are invited to submit their finest portrait artworks for consideration in the Italthai Portrait Prize 2024. Submissions open on March 1st, 2024 and close on June 30th, 2024. For guidelines and entry details, please visit https://portraitprizethailand.com/
2024 Schedule
Friday 1 March: Entries Open via www.portraitprizethailand.com
Monday 30 June: Entries Close
Thursday 26 Sept: Portrait Prize, Packing Room Prize, and Youth Prize Winners announced
Friday 27 Sept: Finalists Exhibition at River City Bangkok opens to the public