Chatchai Puipia chars the walls at 100 Tonson Gallery as part of his plans to give fellow artists 'A Leg Up Society'

For almost a decade, Chatchai Puipia has practically been a hermit. He is back briefly however to tell the world about his new project "A Leg Up Society" through a showcase of his and other artists' works at 100 Tonson Gallery.

The usually white gallery has turned dark and gothic and is now home to a charredwood shelter with rusted roof and a pile of charcoal out front. Poking out from the walls are three massive fibreglass, charcoalcoated figures of Chatchai bending over, with "the love of money is the root of all evil" written in Latin over the central cheeks.

Between each sculpture's legs, a screen shows video works by Shane Bunnag about Bangkok old and new, while two impish sculptures of a naked Chatchai sit observing how the world is progressing from the corners of the room. Meanwhile the rusted rooftop echoes the cheeky motif with a row of 19 white sculptures in full squat.

The burnt frames of a window and door share one wall with a Thai poem written by Roongroj Paimyossak while opposite a charred ladder rests next to a massive pair of charcoal crossed legs backed by poems in English written by Mawdin. The words, both Thai and English, seem to reflect a universal fact of life - everything's subject to change.

 Elsewhere Japanese writer Ryota Suzuki tells stories of sufficiency lifestyles in his drawings, and sculptor Utai upsets expectations by placing the legs on his table upside down. Meiling Hom's cloudlike sculpture, photographs by Kornkrit Jianpinidhan and Thongchai Laokittichok's drawings on the human form add extra variety.

The Leg Up Society was set up by Chatchai and his artloving friends to raise funds for writers and artists keen to produce works that will create a larger impact on society. This show, called "Chapter 1: Count Me In", will be followed by three more chapters introducing new works over the next few months. Chatchai also plans to launch a retrospective in book form in February to raise funds for the society.

Known for his selfportraits - all manic grins, stares and naked poses contorted by fury, Chatchai's creations can be as playful and humorous as they are cuttingly satirical. The bendingover figure, ladder, window and door are motifs that he's used before in his paintings.

Of the charring, he says: "It's like I'm burning myself - saying goodbye to everyone. After the book launch, I'll continue creating art but won't put on any more shows."

The society, says Chatchai, should be officially launched by March, with plans for an annual fund of Bt500,000 to form five grants for interesting proposals. For the annual membership fee of Bt500, art lovers will receive a bimonthly arts magazine.

XTRA

>> 'A Leg Up Society: Chapter 1' continues until October 26. The gallery is at 100 Soi Tonson off Ploenchit Road and is open Thursday to Sunday from 11 to 7. Call (02) 684 1527 or visit www.100TonsonGallery.com.

>> Contact info@100tonsongallery.com for details of how to apply and benefits of being a member of the Leg Up Society.