Thailand was today mourning the loss of one of its most recognisable artists after the death of Thawan Duchanee at the age of 74.

Recognisable for his long white beard and his ethnic clothing, the artist was considered a larger-than-life personality always on the look-out for a good joke.

“Thawan was an artist with a lot to say and absolutely fearless about saying it,” said composer and author Somtow Sucharitkul. “He never compromised his artistic vision.”

His provocative treatment of Buddhist themes caused outrage early in his career, with one of his shows in 1971 attacked by a group including Buddhist monks for perceived blasphemy.

Thawan had reduced his artistic activities in recent months while undergoing treatment for kidney disease, which eventually claimed his life.

Fans remember a man who wanted to elevate art in Thailand.

“I believe a good artist should direct people to look at the sparkling light of the Milky Way rather than their waiting graves,” the artist told The Nation Newspaper in 2004.

He gained accolades and recognition first abroad for his art, which often used traditional Asian and Thai motifs in dynamic, provocative presentations.

The exhibitions and awards from the United States, Japan and Unesco eventually translated into acceptance and celebration at home.

He was made a Thai National Artist in 2001 and was awarded the artist of the year.

Four rooms are dedicated to his works at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Bangkok.

“No matter what people in this country may think, when the world imagines Thai visual art it is Thawan who stands as the poster boy for what is the richest, most imaginative and most innovative in Thailand’s art world,” added Somtow.

- dpa