Lot  072 Ravenel Autumn Auction 2023

Ravenel Autumn Auction 2023

The Gardener

Alex Face (Thai, 1981)

2016

Bronze, ed.3/3

69 (L) x 75(W) x 150(H) cm

Estimate

TWD 1,200,000-1,800,000

HKD 293,000-439,000

USD 37,500-56,300

CNY 274,000-411,000

Sold Price

TWD 1,320,000

HKD 327,543

USD 41,945

CNY 300,000


Signature

Engraved backside of the right paw Alex Face and numbered 3/3

EXHIBITED
Alive, Bangkok CityCity Gallery, Bangkok, December 21, 2016-February 19, 2017
This lot is accompanied with a certificate of authenticity issued by Bangkok CityCity Gallery, Bangkok and signed by the artist.

+ OVERVIEW

Starting from the 1980s, commercial activities began to flourish among the general public. Through the influence of Western culture conveyed by film and television media, the new generation of Thai artists have embraced a more diverse and open approach to creative forms. The era of social media has played a significant role, allowing artists to gain popular recognition through more accessible creative perspectives. Many artists have entrusted professional agents to expand their international visibility. Among them, one standout figure is Alex Face, who has been creating large-scale street graffiti featuring his iconic three-eyed rabbit character, Mardi, for years in both local Thai settings and international urban areas.

Alex Face, whose name is Patcharapol Tangruen, was born in 1981. He pursued higher education at King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMIT), studying architecture and earning a degree in Fine Arts and Applied Arts. Inspired by his love for hip-hop culture, Alex Face was drawn to street graffiti. He fell in love with the sense of accomplishment that came from conquering tall walls and overcoming environmental constraints. The expansive canvas of the open sky allowed his creations to reach a wide audience, leading him to firmly believe that art should not be confined to white gallery spaces. At the age of 26, Alex Face became a father, and the birth of new life in his family stimulated his imagination and sense of responsibility for the future.

When graffiti can convey the artist's perspective on social issues in the public eye and when a relatable image is designed to interpret these issues, it can deepen the viewer's memory and resonance. In 2009, Alex Face created the anthropomorphic character Mardi, characterized by a soft and youthful appearance and a third eye symbolizing a sense of perception often seen in traditional religious contexts. Mardi embodies both the artist's personal life experiences and the visual identity of Thailand, enhancing the emotional impact of the artist's storytelling while tempering overt political messages and critical attacks. As a result, Mardi has become deeply ingrained in the hearts of many.
Related Info

Select: Modern & Contemporary Art

Ravenel Autumn Auction 2023

Saturday, December 2, 2023, 4:00pm