An art auction and exhibition aims to raise funds to cover treatment for kids suffering from leukaemia
More than 1,500 children are diagnosed with leukaemia every year. Many of these youngsters have yet to reach the age of 15 and most will be suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a cancer of the blood that can be treated but which costs between Bt800,000 to Bt1 million to cure - a vast sum that the majority of parents simply cannot find.
Now, the Oonrak Wai Oab Lok Project (Love Embraces the World Project) initiated by the Children's Foundation Phramongkutklao Hospital under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajra Kitiyabha, is out to help those children and their parents.
The exhibition at the Queen Sirikit Art Gallery has more than 100 paintings, among them 33 pieces by National Artists Pratuang Emjaroen, Tawee Rujaneekorn, Panya Petchoo (Sartramethee), SeaWrite novist Saksiri Meesomsueb, Phong Sengki, Panya Vijinthananarn, Sompop Budtarad, Ekkachai Luadsoongnern, Winai Prabripoo, Suwat Wannamanee, Suradej Keawthamai as well as guest artist Chaiwat Wibulsawasdi.
Her Royal Highness Princess Bajra Kitiyabha will preside over the opening ceremony on Saturday, with an auction taking place on July 10 at 4pm at Phayathai Palace. This is an historic event, as it was at the palace's Dhevarajsabharom throne hall that an art auction was organised a century ago during the reign of King Rama VI.
Collectors and donors are invited to view the art pieces two days prior to the auction date. Twenty paintings will be going under the hammer, with starting bids ranging from Bt30,000 to about Bt300,000 for a portrait of the Princess by Suwat Wannamanee.
Suwat named the painting "Dhang Yad Nam Thip", explaining that he was impressed by the photograph he selected for the portrait, which illustrates Princess Bajra Kitiyabha's kindness to and love for underprivileged children.
The paediatric conference room was transformed into a small art gallery for the press conference, with artist Alongkorn Lauwatthana presenting his acrylic painting titled "An Unforgotten Faith". He says the painting interprets the universe and balance. "It's a kind of dharmic paradox about Buddhist wisdom. I believe every child is like our own child. When they are sick, it's important that we look after them as well as we can. I'm an artist, so I'm donating my painting. No matter who you are, there are always opportunities for making merit. Will you take it?"
Tadsuang Subprasert, who painted "Dokrak", agrees, saying children are so fragile, they cannot take care of themselves. Her artwork presents a naked pregnant woman amid white dokrak flowers. "Inside the dokrak blossom, there are seeds that will germinate a new plant. Love is cherished, like a mother cherishes a child. In our culture, Thai people count on each other like brothers or sisters, so if we can help others, we should not hesitate to do so."
Novelist Saksiri Meesomseub, speaks of "love" as a natural feeling, a simple goodwill gesture that's no different from the rain helping flowers to grow. "Man makes it all so complicated, especially in an over-consuming society," he notes. "We should reduce our excesses and share with those in need. However, such giving should also come naturally, not with an expectation of fame or reward."
Actress and Unicef ambassador, Ann Thongprasom, who attended the project launch, says she always feel privileged to participate in charity projects for children and that she never sees such activities as a way of enhancing her image.
"I've been the Unicef ambassador for the past three years, I think I'm already successful in my career and life so I'm more than willing to assist those in need, especially children," she says. "I believe love is a powerful force to move forward positively. And the more I'm involved with children, the more I realise that people should support each other."
Actress Mayurin Pongpudpun echoes Ann's sentiments, adding her own goodwill wish. "To cure cancer costs a lot of money. I wish to build up strength in those children and at the very least to give spiritual support."
The event also featured a talk led by Venerable Bhikkhu Phra Paisal Visalo.
"Each year, many children are admitted to hospital suffering from leukaemia and haemophilia and most of them come from poor families. They can usually be cured by chemotherapy and stem cell treatment but they are very expensive. We really appreciate all help in assisting these children so they can live normal and beautiful lives," says Dr Thip Sripaisal, the foundation's chairperson.
ON SHOW
- The Oonrak Wai Oab Lok Project exhibition runs all this month at the Queen Sirikit Art Gallery.
- Call (02) 354 7799 or visit www.ChildFoundationPMK.org.