Courted controversy in broad strokes, national artist Thawan Duchanee, 74

National Artist Thawan Duchanee died at 74 this morning from complications arising from hepatitis.

Thawan was known for his paintings which mainly combine grotesque and erotic human figures, often composites of animals or insects entwined with the Buddha as a saint.

His work outraged many who claimed they offended Buddhism, but Thawan gradually won acclaim from the general public as well as art critics.

His work eventually gained wide recognition both domestically and abroad. He was named a national artist in 2011.

 

Photo: Thawan Duchanee

 


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