Sanit Klamchanuan: Kiwi-Thai

Emerging Wellington artist Sanit Klamchanuan will open his first solo exhibition, “Kiwi-Thai”. The exhibition features abstract conceptual art, using Maori and Thai themes while working with natural colours.

Sanit's exhibition “Kiwi-Thai” draws heavily from his mixed background, bringing his Thai childhood and New Zealand upbringing together to integrate as one. His multicultural background is reflected in his work: from combinations of natural colours like ocre, for Thai and Buddhism, and red, white and black, depicting the Maori designs. He uses contemporary and current ideals but uses traditional patterns and colours.

In the exhibition, Sanit presents a synergy of Thai and New Zealand cultures: bringing together the two lifestyles, cultures and peoples who are proud of their heritage, especially Maori. The imagery Klamchanuan uses in the Maori designs is similar to Thai designs - fluidity and patterns used as symbols and metaphors. He explores his own personal journey of finding his strength, culture and identity. The exhibition contains a piece where Klamchanuan depicts himself as a Thai snake (Naga), wearing a tiki mask.

Born in Thailand, Sanit Klamchanuan now lives in Wellington. “As a Thai child living in New Zealand I was confused with where I belonged; then one day it clicked and I became familiar with my own identity. I became comfortable with merging my Thai identity, with Kiwi culture, and my art was the catalyst for this.”