Unseen Siam Early Photography 1860-1910 was held at BACC, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre during 9 September until 7 November 2016. The exhibition displays hundred of photographs from the very beginning until the end of the reign of King Chulalongkorn, the fifth King of Chakri Monarchy of Thailand (or Siam by then).

The photographs were taken by foreign photographers and Thais who were later appointed Siamese court photographers. This exhibition is the collaboration between BACC Exhibition Department and the River books, the books publisher that especially published historical book about Siamese courts.

 

 

The photographs within this exhibition are actually curated from the Unseen Siam book, same title as the exhibition, which published by the River Books. So if you miss the chance to actually see the exhibition, the book is the final answer. With more than 700 photography since the middle reign of King Mongkut, the fourth King of Chakri Monarchy until the end of King Chulalongkorn’s reign, the fifth one. Several incredible photographs you would definitely never see from somewhere else are gathered only here.

 

 

At the same time, BACC have also curated photography that recently taken by various photographers, both professionals and amateurs. Due to the current situation that Thailand had just lost our beloved King, King Bhumibhol Adulyadej (the ninth monarch).

It starts out with the regular photography of His Majesty the King and royal family members at many royal ceremonies in different years.

 

 

When it comes to the recent one, when we realised that the King has passed away. Our hearts have gone with Him in heaven. No word could describe how sorrow that our nation are feeling now. So let the photograph doing its job, as I remember from somewhere, one picture is worth a thousand words.

Here are several samples I found strongly impact my feeling.

 

 

Forever in my heart, with my deepest condolence.