via Thai PBS, 23 January 2023: Silpakorn University is the only university in Thailand offering degree programmes in archaeology.
On 14th January, 1923, Tuscan-born artist Corrado Feroci arrived in Thailand, or Siam as it was then. A century later his students, artists and art lovers are celebrating his life and times in an exhibition in memory of the 100th year of his arrival in Thailand, the first of many art events to be held this year to mark the milestone.
Italian Corrado Feroci came to Siam at age 31 as a court artist during the reign of King Rama VI. He laid the foundation for Silpakorn University, Thailand’s first institute dedicated to fine arts where he served as the first dean of the Sculpture Faculty. His Italian name was changed to the Thai name of Professor Silpa Bhirasri, which is how Thais remember him today.
The exhibition entitled “Remembering Silpa Bhirasri: 100 Years After His Arrival in Thailand” immortalizes his era through historical documents including personal letters, photographs, short films, artworks and prototypes of sculptures and coins.
