For this festive season, The Siam Hotel is proud to present “Expression of a Siamese Freedom,” an exhibition curated by Martin Gerlier to commemorate the life and legacy of The artwork of Valérie Goutard, also known as Val. This exhibition features 23 of Val's sculptures, revealing the artist's creative journey through her unique work. and deeply rooted in Thailand, where she once lived and where she was introduced to international recognition.
Although Val was born in France and grew up in an environment influenced by global culture, her true artistic path began to emerge after moving to Thailand in 2004 and being inspired by the spirituality. In Thailand, she stepped into the role of a sculptor in a land that gave her the freedom to explore and fully express her talents. In Thailand, Val not only developed her creative skills but also learned about art. With intricate bronze castings by Thai master casters and a local team working together to create her large-scale sculptures, Thailand has become an incubator for Val's vision, and her work reflects her The harmony, the self-reflection, and the freedom she found in this land.
The Siam Hotel, a riverside retreat with a décor that truly reflects Thai culture and beauty, is the perfect location for Val's sculptures to be displayed. With a commitment to preserving Thai heritage, the hotel Therefore, it is deeply in line with Val's artistic journey. Expression of a Siamese Freedom is not just the title of the exhibition, but also a tribute to Thailand, which has influenced Val's life and work, and has led her to Develop a universal language of art that is accessible to all.
Each meticulously placed sculpture within the beautiful surroundings of The Siam Hotel invites viewers to explore themes of humanity, nature and the search for self, set against the stunning backdrop of the Chao Phraya River. These works fuse It blends seamlessly with the hotel’s architecture and landscape, creating an atmosphere of stunning beauty that perfectly reflects Valerie Gutar’s work.
Val's work is characterized by its play with structure and space, inviting viewers to contemplate the connections between the individual, the environment, and the invisible spiritual dimension. This artistic approach is most profoundly expressed in the results. An epic masterpiece, “Du Chaos à la Sagesse,” a 36-meter- high bronze sculpture completed in her studio in Bangkok, is one of the largest bronze sculptures in contemporary art. It is a testament to her vision. Her vision of humanity's journey from the chaos of consciousness to profound wisdom is a philosophical journey that resonates deeply within each of us.
Although the work under the title Du Chaos à la Sagesse is not included in this exhibition, the legacy of this masterpiece continues to reflect Val's lifelong work. This sculpture, created in Thailand, This represents her commitment to conveying the transformative journey of the human spirit, and as such, her final original artwork serves as an enduring symbol of her connection to Thailand, her deepest inspiration. that this country has given to her and also opens up opportunities for the future where this work will continue to have a place in public places in Thailand.
“Expression of a Siamese Freedom” is now open to the public until at least the end of January 2025. Set amidst Bangkok’s vibrant art scene, the exhibition offers a peaceful yet powerful experience, reminiscing about the life of a creative artist. A work that deeply reflects the essence of Siam.
information provided by event organizer