Uproar over tsunami sculpture

Posted by admin on July 21st, 2010 filed in Uncategorized

There was uproar in Krabi recently when the Secretary for Culture requested that the tsunami memorial sculpture be relocated to Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre.

On a recent visit to the province, Mr Apinan noticed that the sculpture was deteriorating due to its close proximity to the sea, soon after the sculpture was taken to Bangkok for repairs. Mr Apinan tried to contact the French artist who had created the artwork to commission another piece only to find she had passed away.

Realising her death would increase the value of her artworks, Mr Apinan recommended the sculpture be displayed in the Bangkok gallery. This upset Krabi residents and representatives of tourism in the area as the piece has an important meaning for them and is also considered a tourist attraction.

After hearing of their upset, Mr Apinan arranged for the piece to be returned to Krabi immediately to resolve the conflict. The sculpture has arrived back in Krabi and is currently on display in the city hall.