Bangkok art: Large-scale sculptures and the return of May May

With so few large-scale sculpture exhibitions displayed in the capital, art fans shouldn’t miss the showcase of three-dimensional abstract works by three of Thailand’s National Artists and an Artist of Distinction.

Held on the ninth floor of the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), a building worth visiting for its design alone, "Finding Abstraction" features 28 works that trace the development of abstract sculpture in Thailand. 

Bangkok Art Map (BAM), published free every month in Thai and English, looks at this exhibition and more in its list of the city's top art shows in the weeks ahead.  

Life-Living, July 26-August 28  

The daughter of Impressionist painter Sa- Ngad Pui-ock and a former student of leading female artist Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook, 35-year-old Sudsiri Pui-ock is one of the country’s best emergent artists. 

In her latest solo exhibition, "Life-Living" at Ardel Gallery of Modern Art, Sudsiri displays previously unseen rubbings of a car and the expansive tatami mat "The Rice Sea," atop of which she installs newly created bronze sculptures of strange anthro-marine creatures.

In sum, the non-confrontational exhibition shows a less angry artist who has settled back into the Thai way of life, conveying an atmosphere of reflection and spirituality. 

Ardel Gallery of Modern Art, 99/45 Belle Ville, Boromratchonnanee Road (Km 10.5). +66 (0)2 422 2092. Open Tuesday - Saturday, 10:30 a.m.- 7 p.m., Sunday 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. www.ardelgallery.com 

Finding Abstraction, July 14–September 18

"Finding Abstraction" is a showcase of 28 nonobjective forms by three of Thailand’s National Artists in Chamruang Vichienket, Nontiwat Chantanapalin and Inson Wongsam, along with Artist of Distinction Khemarat Kongsook.  

Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, 939 Rama I Road, Pathumwan. +66 (0)2 214 6630-1. Open Tuesday -Sunday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. www.bacc.or.th. BTS: National Stadium 

Act Out!, July 8–30

Aside from the annual Thailand based Asiatopia event, performance art is another medium that garners little domestic exposure.

The exhibition "Act Out!" by five young emerging artists aims to promote performance as a creative vehicle through live performances, photography and projections of performance documentations.

This is an art form that is better understood through physical proximity, so check with the gallery for performance scheduling. 

BKK Arthouse, BACC F3, 939 Rama I Road, Pathumwan. +66 (0)80 990 6910. Tuesday - Sunday, noon-7:30 p.m. BTS: National Stadium 

Familiar Faces, July 7–August 31

After studying animation in Australia and then working with the Melbourne-based audiovisual collective Tape Projects, Unchalee Anantawat has now chosen to resettle in her native Bangkok.

In "Familiar Faces," the young artist ventures within her mind to conjure up an installation of psychedelic portraits, drawings and prints, some of which are from her recently published book "Observable Universe."  

Toot Yung, 19 Prachathipratai Road. +66 (0)84 914 5499. Tuesday – Sunday, 2 p.m.-8 p.m.

Infinity, July 7-29

Israeli artist David Gerstein’s exhibition blurs distinctions between painting and sculpture through vibrantly coloured multilayered cut metal forms that resonate with a post-Pop style. Energetic, fun and full of movement, Gerstein’s wall mounted works reference the likes of Lichtenstein and Warhol with Marilyn-style lips and swirling strokes of the brush. 

National Gallery, 4 Chao Fah Road. +66 (0)2 281 2224. Wednesday - Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. www.national-gallery.go.th

Passing through the Veil, until July 23 

American artist

is fascinated by the language and symbols of storytelling.

Having recently contributed visual works to the ongoing exhibition of Thai literary epic Khun Chang Khun Phaen at Jim Thompson Art Centre, at Chulalongkorn University he displays digital photomontages that draw narratives from Southeast Asia’s most recognized folktales.  

Art Centre: Chulalongkorn University, Centre of Academic Resources, Chulalongkorn University, Phaya Thai Road. +66 (0)2 218 2965. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. www.car.chula.ac.th. BTS: Siam

Picsique, until August 28

The prevalence of photography as a medium has escalated dramatically over the last decade, with new digital technology leading to greater accessibility.

Social media has also given rise to a blitz of self-documenting, with the human portrait becoming an updatable constant.

Such themes are explored by Sirichoke Lertyaso, Tada Hengsapkul, and Supachok Pichetkul. 

Numthong Gallery: Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, 939 Rama I Road, Pathumwan. +66 (0)2 214 6630-1. Tuesday - Sunday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. www.bacc.or.th BTS: National Stadium 

The Return of May May, July 10–September 10

The daughter of National Artist and architect Sumet Jumsai, Siriprapha -- or May May as she is better known -- exhibits in Thailand after an absence of several years.

A fine art graduate from Goldsmiths in London, May May’s new painted works appear similar to a previous series wherein she created numerous contemplative Rorschach-like blotted abstracts. 

Lotus Arts de Vivre Gallery, 41/21 Rama III Road, Chongnonsee, Yannawa. +66 (0)2 294 1821. Opening hours vary, call for appointment. www.lotusartsdevivre.com

Sooksunt’s World: A Land of Peace, July 23-December 29

A peer of National Artist Tawee Ratchaneekorn, Sooksunt Muennirut, or Santipap Nako as he is also known, was an arts student and then teacher during the turbulent political period of the early-to-mid 1970s.

Imprisoned by the authorities for subversion, Sooksunt’s art is passionate towards social causes and injustices affecting fellow countrymen. 

g23, SWUNIPLEX Fl2-3, Srinakarinwirot University, 114 Sukhumvit Soi 23. Tel +66 (0)2 649 5000 Tuesday -Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (except public holidays). www.g23.swu.ac.th. BTS: Asok