We were wondering if anyone could reccommend an art gallery for us in BKK, or Chiang Mai, or even Laos. We love to collect work from SEAsia (and China)...This time I'm looking for a still life (perhaps because I have none in my home)...and maybe some unusual modern work. Any suggestions?
J and D

Not sure how high end (or not you are looking for) but there is a great section of local artists work at the weekend market in BKK

In Chiang Mai there are a lot of nice art galleries around Nimanhemin Road and the Sois around there.

In Bangkok the art galleries are pretty scattered around the city. If you are staying near the Peninsula Plaza then there's a couple of nice galleries in there(Art Republic 3rd flr?). They usually have work of arts by some of Thailand best artist on display.

Let me suggest that rather than deciding what kind of a painting you want (still life), you instead go and look at local traditional arts as well as paintings more to the western taste.

I have a number of paintings that were originally book leaves. They are 50-75 years old, are of traditional subjects and have gilded accents. I purchased a number of them in River City at a place on the Ground Floor called Wat Po. I have also purchsed some more modern Thai paintings from him. The man has a wide variety of paintings, modern and traditional. The prices marked are very high - I wouldn't pay more than half of any marked price - tell them a friend who has been buying from him for years sent you.

On a related note -- can anyone recommend some place in BKK where we could purchase posters or old maps?

They need not be "original" but, we have a number of travel posters and old maps which we have framed in the house, and my office. Has anyone seen such items for sale? Maybe an older style "Visit Thailand" type poster or an older style decorated map of Thailand or South East Asia?
Thanks

If you are in Chiang Mai on a Sunday, be sure and go to the walking market at Tae Pae Gate. There are many artists with their art at this market. Also there are several artists at the lower level of the Night Market. If you are looking for beautiful hand woven wallhangings, don't miss Soi Moei Arts in Chiang Mai.

There is the Queens Gallery. It's across the street from Wat Po, a few blocks down from Ko San Road.

You will find galleries in BK and Chiangi Mai, but have not been to Laos. I though the copy artists at the Sunday Market in CM had some of the better artisians but overall we were not impressed with the 6-7 galleries we visited. Art Sunday Market in BK a lot of glitzy modern paintings if that is your taste. They usually set up at 10-10:30 though the market opens earlier.

Thanks everyone!
We're on our way.....will let you know how it goes.
J and D

Have a wonderful time!