ÀNI Thailand Attended Martin Schoeller and JKBoy Opening Reception at House of Lucie

Following a standout presence at the Mango Art Festival, staff from ÀNI Art Academies Thailand were extended a VIP invitation to attend the photography exhibitions of Martin Schoeller and Jatenipat Ketpradit (JKBoy) at the House of Lucie. Representing ÀNI were President Jeremy Sinsimer, Thailand Dean Dan Christian, and Thailand Operations Manager and Administrative Assistant Kedsnee Worayot. They joined an esteemed group of attendees, including the exhibiting photographers themselves and renowned photojournalist James Nachtwey. Hosts Hossein and Apple Farmani warmly introduced the ÀNI delegation to guests, and invited Kedsnee to speak about the academies and their mission.

Though both exhibitions centered on photography, they offered strikingly different perspectives on contemporary life. Martin Schoeller’s work featured powerful portraiture, including Death Row exonerees, members of the Kayapo Tribe in the Amazon Rainforest, and a range of well-known public figures. In contrast, JKBoy’s exhibition celebrated the culture of Koh Samui, portraying local individuals such as farmers, fishermen, tattoo artists, and women in traditional dress. Notably, many of his subjects were present at the event, wearing the same garments captured in the photographs.

The House of Lucie, located on the island of Koh Samui, serves as a vibrant cultural hub dedicated to showcasing both Thai and international photographers. Its mission is to highlight master photographers, Lucie Award recipients, and International Photography Awards (IPA) winners, while also inspiring visitors through a diverse program of exhibitions, lectures, and events. Among its signature offerings is the “One Shot – One Minute” series, where participants present a photograph and reflect on its emotional resonance. The venue also houses the Koh Samui Art Center, which provides workshops in painting, sculpture, printmaking, and photography.

The Lucie Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, supports photographers through year-round programming and initiatives aimed at fostering creativity and professional growth.