PHYA ANUMAN RAJADHON AND PHRA SAROJRATANANIMMAN: THE ROLE OF CIVIL OFFICIAL INTELLECTUALS IN MODERN ART CIRCLE IN THAILAND

Abstract

This article was to study the role of 2 civil official intellectuals namely Phya Anuman Rajadhon and Phra Sarojrattananimman in modern art circle in Thailand in historical term.  The study was found out that both of them had contributed significantly to the art circle in Thailand.  Phya Anuman Rajadhon had expressed his perspective of art knowledge since late decade A.D. 1930 until late decade A.D. 1950 and which effected to the policy of culture and art activity during such period of time. They were person who pushed forward Division of Artisan of the School of Fine Arts be exalted its status to Silpakorn University, initiated the National Art Exhibition including assisted Professor Silpa Bhirasri, who was praised as Father of Modern Art of Thailand, in translating, editing academic textbook, article, and art glossary. The ideal of Thai characteristic of Phya Anuman Rajadhon had sent the effect of Thai characteristic onto work of arts of which had not to adhere to the work frame of Thai traditional art, but it could be integrated into the western modern art format as well.   Meanwhile, Phra Sarojrattananimman, who realized the importance of art studying for cultivating personnel who can create work of art with quality and can be a part of modern architecture without having to rely on foreign artisan.  He gave the importance of standard of art as mean of nation-building. As a result, Professor Silpa Bhirasri had got support in successfully establishing the School of Fine Arts for enhancing knowledge and cultivating personnel of arts. It was the development of modern art and contemporary art circle in Thailand until the present day