About
The Artist
Wathit Sembut (b. 1986, Chiang Rai, Thailand) cultivated his artistic sensibilities amidst the tranquil rice fields of Nanglae, which continue to influence his creative vision. He pursued formal training in Thai Arts at Silpakorn University’s Faculty of Painting, Sculpture, and Graphic Arts in Bangkok, earning both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. This education provided him with a strong foundation in traditional Thai art and aesthetics.
After completing his studies, Wathit returned to Chiang Rai to contribute to the cultural and academic landscape. He began teaching in the Buddhist Art Department at Chiang Rai Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University before joining Mae Fah Luang University, where he has worked with diverse groups of students, including monks and local communities. His teaching emphasizes the preservation and promotion of Thai artistic heritage while nurturing innovation and individual expression. Alongside his academic career, he continues to develop his artistic practice.
Wathit’s art reflects the harmony of his surroundings and the philosophical interplay of Eastern traditions. Rooted in the serene environment of his hometown, his work explores themes of nature, spirituality, and cultural identity. He employs a variety of media to articulate his evolving creative vision, demonstrating a refined aesthetic and conceptual depth. Wathit’s artistic practice has been recognized both nationally and internationally. His works have been selected for exhibitions in various location across Thailand, Singapore and the United States, reflect the broad appeal and cultural significance of his creations. In addition to his artistic and academic endeavors, Wathit has also played a role in representing Chiang Rai on the global stage. He was appointed as the Official Representative of UNESCO Creative City, Chiang Rai, Thailand, at The Viljandi Heritage Festival in Viljandi, Estonia, further contibuting to cross – cultural dialogue and promotion of Thai artistic heritage on an international platform.
Through his art, Wathit seeks to inspire dialogue and reflection, fostering a deeper understanding of the human experience across cultural boundaries. His artistic journey is marked by a commitment to authenticity and innovation, offering viewers a contemplative space to engage with his work and the values it represents.
Education
2013 Silpakorn University
M.A. (Thai Art), Faculty of Painting Sculpture and Graphic Arts
2010 Silpakorn University
B.F.A. (Art Theory), Faculty of Painting Sculpture and Graphic Arts
Awards / Honors
| 2024 | Official Representative of UNESCO Creative City, Chiang Rai, Thailand to The Viljandi Heritage Festival in Viljandi, Estonia |
| 2023 | Director of Thailand Biennale: Chiang Rai 2023 Art Pavilion MFU |
| 2013 | Selected Art to exhibit at ARTrium@MICA, Singapore |
| Selected Art to exhibit at The 59th National Exhibition of the Art, BACC, Bangkok, Thailand | |
| Selected Art to exhibit at The 35th Bua Luang Painting Exhibition, The Queen’sGallery, Bangkok, Thailand | |
| 2009 | SCB Bank Fellowship Art Scholarship |
| 2009 | Metinee Fellowship Art Scholarship |
| 2004 | Thawan Duchanee Art Scholarship |
Group Exhibition
| 2025 | ”Present / Absent” – Chiang Mai Art Museum, Chiang Mai |
| ”The 3rd Buddhist Art MFU Exhibition” – Chiang Rai Contemporary Art Museum(CCAM), Chiang Rai | |
| “Asian Art Century: Asia 2.0 Transforming Identities” – Weave Artisan Society, Chiang Mai | |
| “The 13th Abstract International Juried Art Exhibition” – Teravana Fine Art Gallery, USA (Digital) | |
| 2024 | “Buddhist Art of MFU” – Central Plaza Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai |
| 2023 | “12th Art Bridge Chiang Rai Art Exhibition” – Art Bridge Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai |
| “MFU 2nd Buddhist Art Exhibition” – ICONSIAM, Bangkok | |
| “The Universe of Buddhist Art” Pavilion, Thailand Biennale Chiang Rai: 2023 —MFU, Chiang Rai | |
| “Silpa Bhirasri‘s Day” – Art Bridge Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai | |
| 2022 | “MFU 1st Buddhist Art Exhibition” – ICONSIAM, Bangkok |
| “Silpa Bhirasri‘s Day” – 9 Art Gallery, Chiang Rai | |
| 2019 | “Same Difference” – Sanfran Burger & Beer, Chiang Rai |
| “Open House – Buddhist Art Exhibition” – Mekong Basin Civilization Museum, Chiang Rai | |
| 2018 | “From Buddhist Heart to Buddhist Art: 4th Buddhist Art Exhibition” – Wat Rong Khun Temple, Chiang Rai |
| “Hi ! Summer Art Exhibition” – 9 Art Gallery, Chiang Rai | |
| 2017 | “From Buddhist Heart to Buddhist Art: 3rd Buddhist Art Exhibition” – Wat Suthiwanaram Temple, Bangkok |
| “99 Artists for King RAMA IX” – Cherntawan International Meditation Center, Chiang Rai | |
| “Chiang Rai Artists ART Auction by Maelao Artists Group” – Maelaowitthayakhom Provincial School, Chiang Rai | |
| 2016 | “Out of Bridge ABCR Exhibition, Chiang Mai Design Week 2016” – Rakuda Photo Artisans & Cafe, Chiang Mai |
| “From Buddhist Heart to Buddhist Art: 2nd Buddhist Art Exhibition” – Art Bridge Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai | |
| “5th Art Bridge Chiang Rai Art Exhibition” – Art Bridge Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai | |
| “Buddhist Art Department Art Exhibition” – Wat Phrathat Chaehang, Nan | |
| “International Mekong River Region Artists Exhibition” – CRRU Museum, Chiang Rai | |
| 2015 | “Vision – Thai Art Exhibition”– Chamchuri Art Gallery, Bangkok |
| “Art from The Dhamma: 1st Buddhist Art Exhibition” – Art Bridge Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai | |
| “4th Art Bridge Chiang Rai Art Exhibition” – Art Bridge Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai | |
| “Small Works by 200 Art Bridge Artists” – Art Bridge Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai | |
| 2014 | “3rd Art Bridge Chiang Rai Art Exhibition” – Art Bridge Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai |
| 2013 | “2nd Art Bridge Chiang Rai Art Exhibition” – Art Bridge Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai |
| “35th Bua Luang Paintings Exhibition” – The Queen’s Gallery, Bangkok | |
| “The 59th National Exhibition of Art” – Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, Bangkok | |
| “SPOT ART 2013” – ARTrium@MICA, Singapore, SINGAPORE | |
| 2012 | “1st Art Bridge Chiang Rai Art Exhibition” – Art Bridge Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai |
| “Generation’s Evolution” – PSG Art Gallery, Faculty of Painting Sculpture and Graphic Arts, Silpakorn University, Bangkok | |
| 2011 | “Way of Tangibles – Intangibles” – 9 Art Gallery, Chiang Rai |
| “100 Youth Artists Workshop for 750 Years of Chiang Rai The City of Arts” – Rimkok Resort Hotel, Chiang Rai | |
| “Youth Contemporary Artists Workshop” – Ban Dam Nanglae, Chiang Rai | |
| 2010 | “Imagination in Thai Art Contemporary Exhibition” – Thai Bank Museum, Bangkok |
| “Art Thesis Exhibition 2010” – PSG Art Gallery, Faculty of Painting Sculpture and Graphic Arts, Silpakorn University, Bangkok | |
| 2009 | “Reflection of Voice” – Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, Bangkok |
WATHIT SEMBUT 