If you feel tired of exploring the beautiful sights of Bangkok, which after three days blend into a colorful mosaic of temples, palaces, and statues, I recommend you visit MOCA - the museum of contemporary art. This place will impress every lover of modern painting, video art or sculptures.
The museum is located far from the city center, but close to the domestic airport, Don Mueang - just 10-15 minutes by taxi, so it's a good place to relax before or after the flight.
MOCA was found by Boonchai Bencharongkul, one of the richest people of Thailand, CEO of DTAC, mobile phone provider. He is also a collector and patron of art.
One of the most important figures in modern art history of Thailand is professor Silpa Bhirasri. He was born in Italy as Corrado Feroci in 1892 but spent many years in Asia and finally changed his nationality. Silpa Bhirasri introduced in Thailand the ideas of new art movements from the Western World, like abstract art, surrealism and impressionism. He was the teacher of many national artists.
He was also the designer and sculptor of many of Bangkok's best-known monuments. If you saw the Democracy Monument, Victory Monument, and the statue of King Rama I at Memorial Bridge - that's his job.
The national university in Bangkok, Silpakorn University was also established by Silpa Bhirasri. Now it one of best high schools in Thailand.
Over 800 artworks are gathered in the MOCA Art Gallery. You will need to spend 2-3 hours inside and relax among the fascinating artworks. There are many paintings inspired by Buddhism and the life of Siddhārtha Gautama. The Visions, the monsters, the states of mind are a significant inspiration for Asian artists.
One of the most impressive paintings can be found on the fourth floor: three gigantic contemporary paintings “The Three Kingdoms-Heaven, Middle Earth, and Hell” by three artists: Sompop Butraj, Panya Wijinthanasan, and Prateep Kochbua.
You can also find some video and installation arts that remind me of Nam June Paik works. The building of MOCA is very interesting too - full of space and light. Unlike many other places in Bangkok, there are not so many visitors. It's a five-floors air-conditioned art heaven.
There is also a bar where you can take a rest, drink good juice or coffee. Sitting on the patio you can admire sculptures in the garden or planes on the sky.
Like in many other galleries there is a little art shop in MOCA. Good station for souvenirs or gifts like original t-shirts, postcards or art albums. Unfortunately, the prices of clothes and other products are much higher than on Khaosan Road but they are worth every Thai Baht.
So if you spend a few days in the capital of Bangkok, MOCA Art gallery is the place where you definitely have to go. You may find some really interesting, living and dynamic examples of painting, drawing, sculpture or video art.
MOCA Website: http://www.mocabangkok.com
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