River City Bangkok reaffirmed its position as Thailand's leading Art Destination by hosting the "A Constellation in Bloom" event to celebrate its 40th anniversary in grand style under the theme Next Movement. This included transforming the central area of the shopping complex with the debut of the latest installation art piece, the Dok Rak Chandelier.
This project is a significant collaboration between River City Bangkok and Sarun Yukongdee, owner of SARAN, a Thai jewelry brand acclaimed internationally and selected for sale in top global multi-brand stores. Together, they created the magnificent Dok Rak chandelier to be displayed long-term as a new symbol reflecting art and cultural heritage values.
The atmosphere at the A Constellation in Bloom event, unveiling the spectacular Dok Rak chandelier, was filled with luxury. Guests wore white and gold dress code attire, accompanied by live music blending classic and contemporary Thai tunes, along with a special performance by singer Khaim Vichayanee Piaklin.
The highlight was the Spectacular Lighting Ceremony, a grand light and sound show synchronized with the chandelier’s illumination. It featured a fashion show presenting a special collection from SARAN, previously showcased in New York, now part of this event.
The evening's most special moment was lowering the chandelier so attendees could closely admire its beauty and intricate details, symbolizing a blessing and goodwill in Thai tradition. Afterwards, the Dok Rak chandelier was raised to hang prominently overhead for long-term exhibition.
The concept behind this piece is to use the "Dok Rak" flower to represent love and goodwill, inspired by Sarun Yukongdee’s childhood memories of helping his mother string flower garlands. This was reinterpreted into contemporary art that elegantly tells a Thai story.
Sarun Yukongdee, owner of SARAN, spoke about the inspiration and meaning of this work: "The Dok Rak flower symbolizes love. Crafting each 'uba' flower requires meticulous care and attention, representing wisdom created by women. Choosing the Dok Rak shape expresses beliefs and the gentle yet powerful way of life of women, conveyed through design."
The SARAN brand owner continued, "I wanted to magnify the delicate beauty into a grand spectacle. When people stand beneath this chandelier, they feel like small figures surrounded by a blooming city of flowers."
As a jewelry designer known for precision, the challenge was expanding from small jewelry pieces to a large chandelier while maintaining SARAN’s signature refinement. The design uses signature colors of off-white, purple, and muted green with unique color codes .05 and .09, creating shifting light and shadow throughout the day.
This collaboration arose from a shared vision to promote Thai artists by providing a platform for masterful works. Linda Cheng, Managing Director of River City Bangkok, described the collaboration: "River City Bangkok is a space filled with feminine energy. This design perfectly presents strength and beauty. We are very proud to work with superstar Thai artist Ek Sarun, who showcases Thailand’s identity and female power beautifully, gaining global recognition."
Meanwhile, Ek Sarun also expressed his connection to River City Bangkok: "This is a place I have known since childhood. Creating this historic piece for the 40th anniversary feels like making a special gift for a beloved family."
The Dok Rak Chandelier not only revitalizes the venue but is designed as a peaceful sanctuary amid the outside world's chaos. Ek Sarun, owner of SARAN, said, "Art may not change the world entirely, but I believe this piece will help someone find calm, recall happiness, and recharge amid a hectic world and country." Linda Cheng added, "We believe this space will be a refuge where everyone can feel physically comfortable and mentally peaceful through the art we have intentionally created."
Those interested in art and wishing to see the spectacular Dok Rak Chandelier in person are invited to experience "A Constellation in Bloom, Dok Rak Chandelier," a world-class collaboration installed long-term at the heart of River City Bangkok, open now.
Photo credit: Ekalak Mai Noi