“Genesis through Siamese and Persian Eyes” Exhibition at CU Museum—Myth Retelling through Paintings of Thai and Iranian Artists 

Asst. Prof. Dr. Vitchatalum Laovanich, Assistant to the President of Chulalongkorn University for Art and Culture Engagement, chaired the opening ceremony of the exhibition “Genesis through Siamese and Persian Eyes” on April 1, 2025, at Chulalongkorn University Museum. The ceremony was also attended by Mr. Mehdi Zare Bieib, Cultural Counselor (Attaché) of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran. 

The exhibition is a result of the collaboration between Chulalongkorn University’s Office of Art and Culture and the South Asian Studies Center, Institute of Asian Studies. The exhibition showcases paintings by Thai artist Kangwanprai Chompupuen and Iranian artist Arash Geroeian, interpreting five stories from “Pathamamulamuli” (an ancient palm leaf manuscript from northern Thailand). The stories discuss the creation of the world by Pu Sangaiya Sangkasi and Nang Itthang Gaiya Sangkasi, considered the ancestors of Lanna. Both artists have interpreted the content of the myth, blending it with religious beliefs and experiences from each culture, resulting in paintings that are refined, meticulous, and feature such delicate, flowing lines that they must be viewed through a magnifying glass. 

The exhibition is on display from March 27 to June 4, 2025, on the 1st floor of the Chulalongkorn University Museum. 

With the support of the Vice President, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yootthana Chuppunnarat, this exhibition represents part of Chulalongkorn University’s Social Engagement efforts, emphasizing participation and the dissemination of distinct yet similar art and culture from both countries. Visitors can create their own artwork by selecting from either artist’s line drawings prepared by the museum and coloring them. As such, they can create an informal part of the exhibition and take it home with them as souvenirs. This piece of aesthetic pleasure given to the audience is how the university follows the concept of “Providing Knowledge and Increasing Happiness for Society.” 

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