Turbulent times weigh on UOB Painting winners

MELANCHOLY paintings of empty public spaces and barren landscapes referencing the pandemic have all but vanished in this year’s winners of the annual UOB Painting of the Year, one of South-east Asia’s biggest and most lucrative art competitions. 

In their place are elaborate visual metaphors hinting at turbulent social, political and economic changes dwarfing the individual’s ability to cope. The troubles of 2022 – such as war, inflation, market volatility and the process of restarting lives and businesses after the pandemic – weigh heavily on the imaginations of artists.

Thai artist Chomrawi Suksom emerged as the biggest winner, earning the overall UOB South-east Asian Painting of the Year on top of the country-specific UOB Painting of the Year (Thailand) award. He receives US$35,000 and a chance for a residency programme at the renowned Fukuoka Asian Art Museum.