Locations: Lampang, Thailand

Artists from Lampang School

JUTHANAM

In residence at Thai Elephant Conservation Center, Lampang, Thailand

Juthanam was born at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center in 1993 to a mother who worked most of her life hauling teak in Thailand s upcountry forests. At the age of two, the playful and spirited Juthanam was adopted by Her Royal Highness the Princess Galiyani, the older sister of Thailand s much-revered King Bhumibol. Thanks to the double blessing of royal patronage and raw talent, Juthanam soon emerged as one of the star painters of the Lampang Academy.

Aided by her handsome young mahout, Juthanam favors a palette of clear, bright colors which she applies with thick, meandering, wormlike brushstrokes. Critics have commented on the elemental, organic quality of Juthanam s wandering lines, noting their uncanny resemblance to the interlocking strands of DNA molecules. One of Juthanam's early paintings was presented to her patron, the Princess Galiyani, at the opening of the premier exhibition of elephant art at the Bangkok Hilton in November 1998. Last year, a painting by Juthanam was displayed as part of Komar & Melamid's Venice Biennale exhibit. Mia Fineman

Also in residence in Lampang, Thailand are elephant artists Lukkang, Lukkop, and Phum Puang. Biographies coming soon!