MR. D.I.Y. announced the winners of the MR. D.I.Y. Art Competition 2025, held under the theme “Identity and Diversity,” featuring both the Public and Student categories, with more than 1,000 participants from across the country submitting their artworks. The final judging round took place on 20 June 2025 at the G23 Exhibition Gallery, Center of Art and Culture, Srinakharinwirot University.
The judging panel included distinguished experts, including Asst. Prof. Dr. Vichaya Mukdamanee, Vice President for Art and Culture at Silpakorn University and Assistant Professor, Faculty of Painting, Sculpture, and Graphic Arts, Silpakorn University; Asst. Prof. Dr. Sitthitham Rohitasuk, Head of the Visual Arts Program, Faculty of Fine Arts, Srinakharinwirot University; and Mr. Supachok Chumsai Na Ayudhya, Professor, Faculty of Decorative Arts, Silpakorn University. After more than four hours of careful deliberation, the judges selected a total of 18 winners across various award categories.
Award-Winning Artworks – Student Category
• First Prize: Pain is Temporary by Kittiya Reangrob
• Second Prize: Joining Forces in Rural Forest areas by Phadungsak Sakonbucha
• Third Prize: Shadowed Identity by Phatnaree Boonmee
Award-Winning Artworks – Public Category
• First Prize: Traces of Love by Asmawee Karee
• Second Prize: Tammalang Village by Sitthisak Thongdeenok
• Third Prize: The Emotional Identity of the Varicose Children by Peerades Namwong
Asst. Prof. Dr. Vichaya Mukdamanee, Vice President for Art and Culture at Silpakorn University and Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Painting, Sculpture, and Graphic Arts, Silpakorn University, shared his thoughts on Pain is Temporary, the First Prize winner in the Student category: “This piece reflects the reality of the new generation in Thai society. Though it may not depict luxury or beauty, it instead conveys hardship, loss, and imperfection. It portrays the diversity among youth through their expressions, self-questioning, fashion, and thoughts in a contemporary style influenced by global culture. The work presents an authentic view of this segment of society and communicates effectively within the current social context.”
He also commented on Traces of Love, the First Prize winner in the Public category: “The theme aligns well with social realities and highlights diversity in beliefs and religions. It reveals perspectives that many may have never seen or felt before. Even though Muslim communities live alongside us, we might never have truly perceived them in this way. The artist captures emotions beyond what is visible, enabling the piece to communicate something deeply emotional and thought-provoking.”
Asst. Prof. Dr. Sitthitham Rohitasuk, Head of the Visual Arts Program, Faculty of Fine Arts, Srinakharinwirot University, shared his perspective on the outstanding quality of the 52 finalist works in the MR. D.I.Y. Art Competition 2025: “It was a real challenge for the judging panel to select the winning works. Every identity represents diversity that emerges through integration and combination. These two concepts are inherently connected. The artworks submitted to the competition reflect a diversity of ideas and perspectives. As judges, we cannot determine which piece is right or wrong. Instead, our role is to create a space for this diversity to engage with thought and emotion. The challenge in making selections lies in choosing artworks in a way that allows both the diversity we select and the diversity expressed through the works to resonate with how artists perceive and respond to society.”
In addition, Mr. Supachok Chumsai Na Ayudhya, Professor, Faculty of Decorative Arts, Silpakorn University, spoke about the competition theme, “Identity and Diversity,” which guided the participants’ conceptual approaches: “The theme offered an open framework for participants to interpret in their own ways, both conceptually and technically. ‘Identity and Diversity’ allowed the submitted works to communicate through various lenses, whether cultural differences, social identity, or personal identity, as seen from each artist’s perspective. This was reflected in the diverse range of styles and techniques, including oil painting, acrylic, printmaking, and mixed media. Each piece carried its own distinctive quality and demonstrated strong artistic intention. The artworks submitted by young students stood out especially for their sincerity of expression, something that is essential in art, regardless of whether the artist is young or experienced.”
Mr. Arnupharp Kongmalai, Vice President of Marketing Department at MR. D.I.Y. Holding (Thailand) Public Company Limited, stated: “Congratulations to all the award recipients, and our heartfelt thanks to the more than 1,000 participants whose submissions truly reflected the power of creativity in an inspiring way. As a leading home improvement and lifestyle retailer, MR. D.I.Y. is proud to have organized this Art Competition, creating a new platform for emerging artists and art enthusiasts to express their inspiration through their work. Despite this being our first year hosting the competition, the overwhelmingly positive response has exceeded our expectations. It marks an important beginning for us in our continued journey to create value and promote diversity within Thailand’s artistic community.”
The 18 awarded entries will be exhibited at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. Additionally, 34 finalist entries will be showcased to the public at Palette Artspace, Thonglor, on the second and fourth floors, from August 5 to 17, 2025. Furthermore, nationally awarded entries will be eligible for selection to represent Thailand at the regional competition in Malaysia, organized by MR. D.I.Y. GROUP (M) BERHAD
