Chalermchai Kositpipat facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Chalermchai Kositpipat
เฉลิมชัย โฆษิตพิพัฒน์
Kositpipat in his iconic pose at Wat Rong Khun in June 2021
Born	(1955-02-15) 15 February 1955 (age 70) Mueang Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai, Thailand
Education	Silpakorn University
Known for	Painting
Awards	Silpathorn Award 2004 Visual arts National Artist 2011 Visual arts (painting)

Chalermchai Kositpipat (Thai: เฉลิมชัย โฆษิตพิพัฒน์; born 15 February 1955) is a famous Thai artist. He is best known for his amazing paintings that often use ideas and images from Buddhism. Chalermchai's art has been shown all over the world.

About Chalermchai Kositpipat

Chalermchai's signature on his work at Wat Rong Khun

Chalermchai Kositpipat was born in Chiang Rai province, Thailand. His family had roots in both China and Northern Thailand. He went to Silpakorn University, which is a very important art school in Thailand. In 1977, he earned a degree in Thai art.

His Early Art Career

Chalermchai started his career by painting advertisements for movies on big billboards. His first large paintings, called murals, were for traditional Thai Buddhist temples. He mixed old Thai art styles with new, modern ideas.

In 1980, Chalermchai traveled to Sri Lanka. He spent six months there, studying the art and temples. He was especially inspired by the beautiful white statues and temples he saw. He even had his own art show in Sri Lanka.

Painting in London

In 1988, Chalermchai was asked to paint murals for Wat Buddhapadipa in London. These murals took four years to finish. At first, some people found his modern style a bit surprising. They thought it was too different from traditional Thai art.

But over time, his unique art became very popular. Even the King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej, became one of his fans. His paintings started selling for high prices at art auctions. For example, one of his pieces sold for over US$59,000 in 2018.

The White Temple: Wat Rong Khun

One of Chalermchai's most famous projects is Wat Rong Khun. This is a stunning white Buddhist temple in his home province of Chiang Rai province. He started building this special temple in 1997, and he is still working on it today.

Chalermchai has said that only death can stop his dream of finishing the temple. He believes this work will make his art live on forever.

Awards and Recognition

Chalermchai Kositpipat has received many important awards for his art. In 2004, he was given the first-ever Silpathorn Award. This award honors living Thai artists who are in the middle of their careers. Later, in 2011, he was named a National Artist by Thailand's National Culture Commission. This is a very high honor for artists in Thailand.

See also

• Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat / Sala Keoku / Buddha Park
• Lek Viriyaphant / Sanctuary of Truth / Ancient Siam / Erawan Museum
• Visionary environments