“Expression of a Siamese Freedom” at The Siam Hotel
The exhibition honors the life and legacy of Valérie Goutard (Val)
2 December, Bangkok — This season, The Siam Hotel presents Expression of a Siamese Freedom, an exhibition curated by Martin Gerlier that honors the life and legacy of Valérie Goutard, better known as Val. Featuring 23 of her sculptures, this retrospective reveals the artist’s unique creative path, deeply rooted in Thailand, a place that was both her sanctuary and her springboard to international acclaim.
Although Val was born in France and experienced a globally influenced upbringing, it was only after she moved to Bangkok in 2004 that her true artistic path unfolded. Inspired by the spirit of Thailand, she embraced her identity as a sculptor in a place that granted her the freedom to fully explore and express her talent. Here, Val not only honed her craft but also learned the intricate art of bronze casting from Thai master casters, building a local team that helped her realize her monumental creations. Thailand became the nurturing ground for her vision, and her works embody the harmony, introspection, and freedom she found in this country.
The Siam Hotel, a sanctuary of Thai culture and aesthetics, forms a natural setting for Val’s sculptures. With its commitment to preserving Thai heritage, the hotel resonates with Val’s journey. Expression of a Siamese Freedom is not merely an exhibition title; it is a tribute to the profound impact that the country had on Val’s life and work, a place that empowered her to develop a universal language in her art, accessible to all.
Each sculpture, thoughtfully placed within The Siam’s elegant surroundings, invites viewers to explore themes of humanity, nature, and introspection. With stunning views of the Chao Phraya River as a backdrop, the sculptures merge seamlessly with the hotel’s architecture and landscapes, creating a sense of awe-inspiring magnificence that complements Goutard’s work.
Val’s works, characterized by an interplay of structure and empty space, invite viewers to reflect on connections between individuals, their surroundings, and unseen spiritual dimensions. This artistic approach reaches one of its most profound expressions in her monumental masterpiece, Du Chaos à la Sagesse, a 36-meter bronze sculpture completed in her Bangkok studio. As one of the largest bronze sculptures in contemporary art, it stands as a testament to her vision of humanity’s journey from subconscious chaos to conscious wisdom, a philosophical journey that resonates deeply within each of us.
Though Du Chaos à la Sagesse is not included in this exhibition, its legacy gently underscores this tribute to her life’s work. Sculpted in Thailand, this iconic piece embodies Val’s commitment to capturing the transformative journey of the human soul. As such, its final artist proof serves as a lasting symbol of her connection to the country that inspired her, leaving open the possibility of a future where this piece finds a place within the public spaces of Thailand.
Expression of a Siamese Freedom is opened to the public until at least the end of January 2025. Amid Bangkok’s vibrant art scene, this exhibition offers a tranquil yet powerful experience, celebrating the life of an artist whose work resonates with the essence of Siam.
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