Beauty by the sea

Liam’s Gallery was opened three years ago in Jomtien Beach, and is filled with works from the owner’s four-decades-old private collection.

Cheap portraits, seascapes and realistic paintings have been a part of Pattaya's art market for a long time. But a serious, contempoary art market has emerged in the three years since Irish businessman and art collector Liam Ayudhkij opened Liam's Gallery in Jomtien Beach.

Painted in white, Liam's displays more than 150 works by Thai and foreign artists. Most of these paintings and sculptures have been a part of a private collection he has amassed over the past four decades. He has lived in Thailand since 1963, and is founder and chairman of the PCS Group of companies, one of largest property- support service companies.

The three-storey gallery presents abstract, semi-abstract, realistic paintings, modern sculptures as well as Chinese paintings, Burmese sculptures and collections of Asian art.

The ground floor displays temporary exhibitions, which change every two months. The current show is "A Series of Erotic Paintings, Drawings and Sculptures by Young Artists". Among the participating artists in this show are Li Xioa Feng, Bancha Suriyaburaphakul, Panthep Maneratcharatsri and Chahn Suttarapong.

Also here are rare masterpieces by Thai artists like Tawee Ratchaneekorn, Thawan Duchanee, Ison Wongsam, Chalermchai Kositpipat, Vasan Sithiket, Pinaree Sanpitak, Panya Vijinthanasarn, Thaiwijit Puengkasemsomboon, Prasong Luemuang and Somboon Homtienthong.

Among the masterpieces on permanent display in the third floor are Rachanee's "Square Face" (2006) depicting former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Chalermchai's "Enlightenment Through Meditation" (1982), Vasan's "Self Portrait" (2004) and Thawan's "Bhuridatta Jataka" (1979).

Liam also supports young artists like Natee Utarit, Thaweesak Srithongdee, Thinnakorn Kasornsuwanaand and Krisana Chavanakunakorn and Chanathip Chaiyayangkul. Their works are on view on the second and third floors.

He also has paintings by Malaysia's Ahmad Zakii Anwar, Austria's Doris Kraushaar, China's Li Xiao Feng and American artist Richard Chambers.

Since its opening in 2005, Liam's Gallery been a hip hangout for artists and art lovers in Pattaya. Every Friday night, from 6.30 to 8pm, Liam hosts a casual party, with free-flowing wine and snacks to lubricate a lively atmosphere. Bangkok-based Liam sometimes shares his experiences and shows his private collection.

Art enthusiasts will find art books on the mezzanine, and they can explore the cyber art world by clicking a mouse. Wireless Internet services are also provided. If you want to enjoy a cappuccino while watching the sunny Gulf of Thailand seascape, check out the outdoor terrace.

If you fall in love with one of the pieces, you can arrange for it to be delivered to your home within a few days. Works are also for sale online.

Phatarawadee Phataranawik