Manop Momin’s painted story of an elder who becomes a sex worker during the pandemic left the most prominent mark on the competition

Out of 178 submissions to the River City Bangkok’s Portrait Prize 2021 competition, an oil painting titled Khun Yai Buaphan by artist Manop Momin captivated the jury most profoundly and was awarded the competition’s top honor and prize of 500,000 baht.  

Khun Yai Buaphan tells the story of a 74-year-old woman who became a sex worker during the pandemic to make ends meet. Manop says he discovered Khun Yai while walking along Rattanakosin Island and Ratchadamnoen Road. He details in his artist statement that Buapan, who lives alone, needs the money to buy food for herself and her cats. He knew he had to paint her. 

Manop with his painting

“Her story made me sad and emotional so I decided to tell Buapan’s story through my painting. I hope more people will be made aware of the difficult circumstances people are finding themselves in at this time.  I hope people take interest in the stories of the sitters from all walks of life in this competition. I want to call to the attention of the government, the private sector and individuals: some people are encountering this pandemic crisis desperately,” says the artist. 

Inarguably, Khun Yai Buaphan is one moving masterpiece, but it sits among a hundred others waiting to share their stories with you at the RCB Galleria. The Portrait Prize Exhibition is open for viewing now at the gallery on the second floor of the River City Bangkok until December 7, and the People’s Choice Prize (100,000 baht) is still up for grabs, decided by the public through QR code voting at the exhibition. Don’t forget to leave a generous amount of time for viewing and reading each of the sitter’s experiences in the last challenging 12 months. 

For more information, visit rivercitybangkok.com.