Virut Panchabuse, A Unique And Innovative Artist

At the young age of 15, Virut discovered his passion for art and quickly realized his exceptional talent. However, he was initially unaware of just how good he was. It was through the encouragement of others and the recognition he received that he began to understand the extent of his artistic abilities.

One of the aspects that sets Virut apart as an artist is his love for challenges. He thrives on pushing himself to the limits, particularly when faced with difficult drawings. It is during these moments of struggle that he finds the most inspiration, and interestingly, these pieces often end up becoming his favorites.

Among the artworks displayed in his exhibition, Virut revealed that his favorite piece is titled “Natural Smile.” This particular artwork captures the essence of genuine happiness and radiates positivity. His second favorite piece is “The Astronaut,” a painting that symbolizes exploration and the limitless possibilities of the universe.

Virut’s artistic process involves cutting out various pieces of newspaper clippings and magazines, which he then meticulously assembles to create his masterpieces. Color plays a significant role in his work, adding vibrancy and depth to each piece. The time required for each artwork varies, with some taking a week to complete, while others may take over a month. The duration depends on the complexity of the piece and the amount of color and additional elements he incorporates.

The artist humorously shared that his wife can always tell where he has been in their home, as he leaves a trail of clippings wherever he walks. Despite the mess, his wife has been his biggest supporter since the beginning, allowing him the freedom to create while she handles the business side of his art career.

When asked about his favorite artists, Virut mentioned Andy Warhol and Georges-Pierre Seurat as his inspirations. He also expressed admiration for the renowned photographer Steve McCurry, whose captivating images have left a lasting impact on him.

Virut’s love for Spain was evident as he spoke about his extensive travels throughout the country. He has visited cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, Toledo, and Cuenca, with the latter being his favorite so far. He expressed his gratitude for having the opportunity to showcase his artwork in Valencia, marking his first exhibition in Spain.

As an artist who constantly seeks new experiences and challenges, Virut shared his upcoming plans. After his exhibition in Spain, he will return home to Thailand to work on his next exhibition in Amsterdam. Looking ahead, he excitedly mentioned to exhibit his work for the first time in Dubai next year.

Reflecting on his journey as an artist, Virut emphasized the importance of perseverance and never giving up. He encouraged upcoming artists to stay true to their passion and continue honing their skills, regardless of any obstacles they may face.

With exhibitions already held in Spain, the Netherlands, and France, Virut’s dream is to have an exhibition in New York City. He expressed his desire to showcase his unique artistic style to a wider audience and leave a lasting impression on the art world.

In terms of his creative process, Virut explained that he begins by drawing the image on the canvas. He then starts placing the paper clippings together, allowing the artwork to take shape organically. He intentionally walks in and out of the room, leaving the art behind and returning to it later, never knowing exactly how the final drawing will turn out. This element of surprise and unpredictability adds an exciting dimension to his work.

As the interview concluded, it was evident that Virut Panchabuse is not only a talented artist but also a humble and passionate individual. With his unique artistic approach and unwavering determination, he continues to captivate audiences around the world. As he embarks on his journey to Dubai and beyond, it is clear that Virut’s artistic career is destined for even greater heights.

More about Virut Panchabuse

Born in 1980, Virut Panchabuse is a renowned Thai artist celebrated for his bold and captivating pop-art portraits crafted entirely from collage. His artistic journey began at the High Art College of Bangkok, where he honed his skills, and later specialized at the esteemed King Mongkut University. From the very start, Virut dedicated himself wholeheartedly to his craft, immersing himself in the world of art.

In a remarkably short span of time, Virut’s exceptional talent and unwavering determination caught the attention of numerous gallery owners, buyers, and collectors who recognized and admired his artistic endeavors. This recognition propelled him into the realm of full-time artistry. Throughout the years, his style has undergone a significant evolution, transforming his delicate brush and spatula portraits into fiery collage masterpieces. This deliberate choice speaks volumes about Virut’s artistic vision – he aspires to be an exclusive artist, one with a distinctive voice that cannot be replicated.

Virut’s creative process commences in the digital realm, where he delves into the vast sea of images bombarding us daily. Unlike many artists, his focus is not on the beauty or recognizability of faces. Instead, Virut seeks to capture emotions in his portraits, as truth serves as the ultimate goal of his artistic conception. Collage art differs greatly from traditional painting; it hinges on nuances and relies heavily on the availability of raw materials. Virut sources stacks of old newspapers and magazines from second-hand shops, transforming these publications into his vibrant palette of colors. Meticulously layering tiny scraps of colorful paper, he constructs large-scale portraits, each one distinct and brimming with emotions. The original image may vanish, but the essence remains, leaving viewers captivated. These monumental collages have become highly sought-after among art collectors.

Virut’s remarkable pieces grace the walls of prestigious art galleries and the private homes of esteemed collectors worldwide, spanning countries such as America, China, France, India, Italy, Malaysia, and the Netherlands. Following his initial extraordinary success, marked by awards and solo exhibitions across Asia, the artist held his first European exhibition in Amsterdam in 2017. This was swiftly followed by exhibitions in Bahrain and Berlin in 2018, all of which sold out. Today, Virut continues to captivate audiences with his solo exhibitions held annually in various corners of the globe.