Weerapong Saensomporn Wins 2026 UOB Painting of the Year in Thailand
Artist Weerapong Saensomporn has been awarded the top prize in the 2026 UOB Painting of the Year competition for his unique copper-wire artwork.
According to Khaosod Online, UOB Thailand has announced Weerapong Saensomporn as the winner of the 2026 UOB Painting of the Year competition. His winning piece, titled 'Memories From the Forest,' is a distinctive work created by weaving copper wire onto black velvet. The artist drew inspiration from tree rings, cracks, and textures shaped by time to reflect themes of growth, loss, and nature's historical record.
Richard Maloney, President of UOB Thailand, praised the work for its technical mastery and its ability to provoke deep reflection on the relationship between humanity and the natural world. As the national winner, Saensomporn received a cash prize of 750,000 baht. He will now represent Thailand in the regional UOB Southeast Asian Painting of the Year Award, competing against winners from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam. Additionally, he is eligible for a potential artist-in-residence program at the Cité Internationale des Arts.
For residents and visitors interested in Thailand’s contemporary art scene, this recognition highlights the evolving techniques of local artists. While the national winner has been decided, the outcome of the regional competition remains to be confirmed. Those interested in viewing the evolution of Thai artistic expression may look forward to future exhibitions featuring these award-winning works.
