Thawan Duchanee

This work is in excellent condition as viewed. There is evidence of very light wear to the edges of the work due to abrasions with the frame, but this does not take away from the overall quality of the painting. There is paint shrinkage at black pigments and stable craquelure to areas of thicker impasto (all visible in the catalog illustration), consistent with the age and medium of the work. Upon very close inspection, there is slight discoloration to white pigments, consistent with the age of the work. There is a small tear at the upper left corner and two pinhole size holes to the paper at upper edge near right corner. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals no restoration. Framed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

 The featured Lot, Boats is characteristic of Duchanee’s distinct early style of strong nationalistic sentiments coupled with expressive brushstrokes. The artist’s penchant for vivid colours and bold lines used to depict the subject matter stands out against the cool, glassy water surface. Regarded as a transitional work, this painting blends his modern Western aesthetic of the earlier period with his ever-growing affinity with the traditional village life of northern Thailand. By breaking up forms into geometrical shapes to re-inform the viewer’s perspective of a familiar subject-matter, Duchanee re-invigorates the traditional long-tailed boats (Ruea Hang Yao) native to Southeast Asia with a completely new presence.

Much like the artist’s own personality, his works exude a vivacious energy. His use of texture, colour, and form lends a sense of dynamism to Boats. The work captures the movement of the sunlight and the reflection of the water across the sails through the cubist technique of broken visual planes, displaying Duchanee’s sensitivity to light and shade. His treatment of light and pared-down colour palette evokes parallels to the cubist works of the French painter and close associate of Picasso, Georges Braque. Boats is an excellent and well-executed example of Duchanee’s highly versatile oeuvre, perfectly demonstrating his dexterity and artistic finesse.