Somluk Pantiboon

Born in Chiang Rai, Thailand
Lives and works in Chiang Rai, Thailand

Not doing anything to be anything, 2024
Site-specific installation
Dimension variable

Somluk Pantiboon aims to present ceramic artworks and abstract paintings that reflect simplicity and naturalness. These pieces are displayed in the serene ambiance of ‘Heuan Nang Sarai’, a traditional Isan wooden house preserved within the Isan Village at Jim Thompson Farm. The exhibition is part of Art on Farm under the concept ‘Isan Euen Ha’ (Isan Calls). The artist seeks to inspire viewers to recognize the value of time, the authenticity of the ordinary, and the natural beauty that surrounds us.

This collection is inspired by ‘the soil’, a symbol representing the way of life and the cultural heritage deeply connected to nature in the Isan region. The soil is used to grow crops that sustain life, serving as a warm and nurturing home. The artist uses soil as a key element in creating artworks that evoke memories of the past and the continuation of a culture intertwined with nature. Soil, formed through the accumulation of sediment layers over time, has been compressed and transformed by subterranean heat and seasonal changes, resulting in its unique colors derived from mineral reactions. Soil inherently carries a sense of antiquity and timelessness. When the artist kneads, molds, and fires the soil at high temperatures to create various forms, they are placed within spaces and settings that reflect collaboration between humans and natural processes. This artistic expression narrates the profound and simple relationship between humans and nature, capturing their harmony and interdependence.

The artwork titled Not Making “Anything into Something” reflects the concept of allowing the soil to remain true to its natural essence. The artist does not aim to create functional objects, or anything detached from its nature. Instead, the focus is on establishing harmony between surfaces, forms, spaces, culture, and way of life. The artist emphasizes the simplicity of the material, showcasing the earthy tones and textures of ceramics as an inseparable part of abstract painting and the ambient space within the traditional Isan wooden house. The traces of time within these spaces tell endless stories, inviting us to perceive and connect with them through the passage of time.

Written by Angkrit Ajchariyasophon

Somluk Pantiboon is a renowned artist specializing in ceramics and abstract art that incorporates soil as a core element. Somluk graduated in ceramics from Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Northern Campus, in Chiang Mai. He was selected to participate in the UNHCR pottery project, for which he studied with Zen Buddhist monks and taught art to Lao and Cambodian war refugees in Thailand. Following this, Somluk pursued further studies in ceramics in Japan before returning to Thailand to establish his own studio, “Doi Din Daeng Pottery” in Chiang Rai in 1991. He became the first president of the Chiang Rai Art Bridge Association and has frequently exhibited his works, both in solo and group shows, including the Thailand Biennale Chiang Rai 2024.