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Published on November 28, 2007

His home is filled with famous paintings - so many that he has to stack them on the floor. And most are expensive.

Now he is building a studio in his home to hang these paintings. It will also serve as an office for his wife, who can find inspiration from the paintings to help with her creativity.

On Monday, Kongkiat was invited as an honorary guest to open a solo exhibition of Uab Sanasen. He was as comfortable mingling with artists as with money managers.

The last time that Uab organised a solo exhibition was 20 years ago. Now, at the age of 72, Uab is bringing together his masterpieces created over a long painting career under one roof. The exhibition is called "Uab Sanasen 72 years - A Retrospective Art Exhibition", which runs at the Queen's Gallery on Ratchadamnoen Klang Road until January 31.

Kongkiat said he had heard about Uab since he was a young boy because his father was in the photography business like Uab. Before plunging headlong into painting at the age of 40, Uab had tried his hand at all kinds of art, including studio photography. Kongkiat said his father had a high regard for Uab's ability in this field.

After Kongkiat had a surplus in his bank account, he began to collect art.

He started to buy Uab's paintings about 15 years ago. Now he owns five or six paintings by Uab, who is a master when it comes to painting his favourite subjects: Benjarong pottery, landscapes, nudes, violins, ancient Thai textiles.

Now Kongkiat spends most of his time looking after his company - Asset Plus Securities - and plays an active role in capital market development.

Among the guests at the opening ceremony of Uab's exhibition were poet and artist Angkarn Kalayanaphong and social critic Sulak Sivalaksa, both in loose Thai cotton outfits.

They were present to honour their long-time friend.

Angkarn cited a Buddhist prayer for this auspicious occasion, while Sulak, who has known Uab for 60 years, spoke highly of his artist friend.

Uab's wife, Wisuta, and their children were all present. They had played an energetic role in organising the solo exhibition, which brings together more than 270 paintings for the public to view until January 31.

The atmosphere was rather pleasant. There was a string quartet playing light music. If you are an art lover, you can't miss this one-in-a-lifetime exhibition, which clearly separates Uab's artistry from the rest of his peers.

busdsk@nationgroup.com

The Nation