How to grow old gracefully: The case of Ithipol Tangchalok

How to grow old gracefully: The case of Ithipol Tangchalok

Chetana Nagavajara

          This is an exhibition that all art lovers must see, and I came rather late to see it. I spent almost 3 hours there yesterday and still feel a bit dazed. Ithipol is enigmatic. You can’t characterize him with a concept. I have been following him for over 30 years and still can’t pin him down. In his younger days, his austerity scared me off. Even until most recently, I thought he disciplined himself too much. But having seen this exhibition which is meant to be representative of  his oeuvre, I am beginning to wake up. And the clue lies in his latest works, those 9 paintings produced when he was already being affected by an illness. That illness is no handicap, and strangerly enough, is more conducive to self-liberation, For the first time. I could breathe when looking at Ithipol’s pictures. He has reached a point where he can forget technique, and discipline (whether artistic or spiritual). What has happened? I think he knows how to grow old gracefully.

The experience made me think of the great cellist, Pablo Casals. Already an octogenarian, he practised his scales and exercises everyday. When asked why, he gave a very simple answer, “I think I am still improving.” Likewise, Ithipol Tangchalok continues to improve, and above all, he has become more “accessible” to the layman.

One final remark. The curators have done a very thorough job, unlike that shoddy curating of the late Chalood Nimsamoe’s work at this very same place. But again, they are too conscientious and try to say too much. So what I have called “the loquacious turn” has crept in. They ought to have left us sufficient room to react emotionally, to empathize and to think for ourselves. Stop enlightening the public on everything, or else it will never see the light.

(A more comprehensive review in Thai will appear later on this Website.)