BANGKOK, Thailand – Thai artist Weerapong Sansomporn has won the 2026 UOB Painting of the Year Award in Thailand for his artwork, Memories From the Forest, created using woven copper wire on black velvet fabric.
Inspired by tree rings, cracks and weathered surfaces, the artwork explores the passage of time, memory and the changing relationship between humans and nature. Through intricate handwoven techniques, Weerapong transforms rigid copper wire into delicate, organic forms that reflect the cycles of growth, loss and transformation.
The 38-year-old artist will receive a cash prize of 750,000 baht. His winning work will represent Thailand at the UOB Southeast Asian Painting of the Year Award 2026, competing against winners from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. He will also compete for an artist residency program sponsored by UOB at Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris.
Meanwhile, Watcharaphong Seethiang was named Thailand’s 2026 Most Promising Artist of the Year in the Emerging Artist Category for his work, Life Is Impermanent, but Death Is Certain. Inspired by Buddhist contemplation and mindfulness of death, the painting reflects on the impermanence of life and encourages viewers to appreciate the value of existence.
The winning artworks will be exhibited at three venues in Bangkok, with free admission. The first showcase runs from October 7 to 11 at Art Bangkok 2026, on the fifth floor of Siam Paragon. The works will then be displayed at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre from October 20 to November 1, followed by UOB Plaza Bangkok from November 2 to December 31.
Established in Singapore in 1982, the UOB Painting of the Year competition supports established and emerging artists across Southeast Asia, providing opportunities for regional recognition and international exposure. (NNT)
