For the first time in Thailand, the Digital Multimedia Art exhibition featuring works by Gustav Klimt is here. Known for his world-famous painting The Kiss, Klimt’s golden masterpieces are on display at EM Tower, Emsphere, on the 6th floor, from now until the end of December 2024.
Many are familiar with The Kiss, a stunning oil painting decorated with gold leaf. Klimt, an Austrian artist, captivated the world with this painting and his portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I, a wealthy Jewish woman dressed in luxurious gold. Now, these iconic works come to Bangkok in the exhibition A Golden Kiss by Klimt.
The Artist Who Broke the Rules: Gustav Klimt
Born in 1862 to a poor family in Vienna, Gustav Klimt showed early talent. In 1876, he won a scholarship to the Vienna School of Arts and Crafts and started painting portraits while still studying. His early work was classical, focusing on architectural paintings. By 1877, Klimt had founded a studio with his brother and a friend, creating murals for churches and theaters. His unique style gained recognition, earning him awards from the Austrian Emperor.
Though famous for painting portraits of the wealthy, Klimt began moving towards a new style, Art Nouveau. His life changed after the deaths of his father and brother, leading him to explore different artistic influences from cultures like China, Japan, and ancient Egypt. These elements shaped his later works.
Breaking Traditions with Vienna Secession
In a time when nude art was controversial, Klimt co-founded the Vienna Secession to give artists more freedom to showcase their work. While some called his art “obscene,” especially older artists, Klimt became a favorite among younger, more progressive audiences.
Klimt’s Golden Era
Klimt’s “Golden Phase” (1900–1908) is marked by his use of gold leaf, inspired by Italian mosaics and Byzantine art. Famous works from this period include Pallas Athena, Water Serpents II, Judith and the Head of Holofernes, and The Three Ages of Woman.
His most renowned piece is Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I (1907), often called the “Mona Lisa of Austria.” The painting, glowing with gold, became a symbol of beauty and elegance. Equally mesmerizing is The Kiss (1907–1908), which captures a tender, romantic moment. Other notable works include Danaë (1907) and The Tree of Life (1905).
After his golden period, Klimt experimented with new colors and abstract ideas. He explored themes of life and death in his later works, making him one of the most diverse artists of his time. Beyond portraits, he painted landscapes and flowers, embracing many styles throughout his career.
A Private Man with a Big Impact
Though his art was bold, Klimt was shy in his personal life. He preferred staying at home, wearing his robe and slippers, rather than attending social events. He passed away during the 1918 flu pandemic, but his legacy remains strong. Klimt’s works are still celebrated worldwide, and many have been auctioned for record prices.
Experience Klimt in Bangkok
The A Golden Kiss by Klimt exhibition is now open at EM Tower, Emsphere, on the 6th floor, until the end of December 2024. The exhibition features 10 rooms, including Trip to Vienna, Beauty of Flower, The Tree of Life, and more. Tickets are available for 950 THB on weekends and 850 THB on weekdays. Students, seniors, and children can enter for 550 THB on weekends and 490 THB on weekdays. Tickets can be purchased at www.thaiticketmajor.com/goldenkiss or at the event.
The Woman in Gold: A Painting’s JourneyThe 2015 film The Woman in Gold tells the true story of Maria Altmann, the niece of Adele Bloch-Bauer, who fought for seven years to reclaim her aunt’s portrait. The painting had been taken by the Nazis in 1941 and later claimed by the Austrian government. After a long legal battle, Maria won and sold the painting to Ronald Lauder for $135 million. Today, the portrait is displayed at the Neue Galerie in New York, where it can be admired by all.
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