Thai National Artist Pichet Klunchun (b. 1971) is widely known as a dancer and choreographer. Originally trained in classical Thai mask dance, khon, he studied with Chaiyot Khummanee, one of the most recognised Khon masters in Thailand from the age of 16. After receiving his degree in Thai Classical Dance at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Pichet performed at high-profile venues and events including the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok. Subsequently, he furthered his dance training in the United States where he was exposed to modern dance and became inspired to expand the traditional understanding of khon and revitalise this classical dance form.

 

Pichet has since earned domestic and international accolades for his efforts in contemporising Khon. However, his main achievement is embodied in his paintings which are created through a combination of action painting, performance art, and traditional Thai Khon. This unique mix results in exceptional pictorial work, which has been capturing the attention of international museums and collectors. Pichet has represented Thailand in several intercultural performing arts programmes in Asia and Europe, and won several awards locally and internationally.