This picture by Sutee Kunavitchayanont is entitled "Monday", and is one of an exhibition at H Gallery which will open next week. The choice of the picture's title might mean very little to those living outside of Thailand, but days of the week are recognised by colour, and Monday's colour is yellow. The King of Thailand who is beloved by all Thais, was born on a Monday, and out of love and respect for him many Thais wear yellow on a Monday, a habit that took on huge momentum in 2006 when King Bhumipol's 60th Anniversary of Accession to the throne made him the world's longest reigning monarch.
The momentum was given a further fillip last year, when the King celebrated his 80th birthday. The figure in the picture is making the traditional Thai form of respectful greeting, with the hands pressed together, the wai.
The exhibition "Fidelity not Fealty" runs from 3 July until 28 August 2008, at H Gallery and explores themes of loyalty and questioning of processes that make people subservient in life and art-mediums. Sutee's work draws on themes of happiness related to uniformity in society. Picture: Sutee Kunavichayanont, "Monday," 2008, ink jet print, 50 x 70 cm.
