Misiem Yipintsoi

Misiem Yipintsoi was a prominent Thai painter and sculptor who began her artistic career at the age of 42. Born in 1906 in Siam to ethnic Chinese-Indonesian parents, she was educated at the Assumption Convent School in Bangkok. After marrying and raising five children, her artistic awakening occurred during a stay in Denmark. Inspired by European art, she returned to Thailand and studied painting with Monet Satomi, a Japanese cultural attaché. Yipintsoi's talent quickly became evident when she won gold medals at Thailand's National Exhibition of Art for three consecutive years starting in 1949. Her works 'Santikam', 'Honolulu', and 'Sriracha' were particularly celebrated. Although she had no formal training, she later studied sculpture under Silpa Bhirasri. Yipintsoi's sculptures are displayed in Silpakorn University's sculpture garden and the Misiem Sculpture Museum in Nakhon Pathom province. In 1984, she was awarded the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture, and in 1985, Silpakorn University honored her with an honorary Doctor of Arts degree. Her legacy continues through her granddaughter, Klaomard Yipintsoi, who supports the arts. Misiem Yipintsoi passed away in 1988, leaving behind a legacy as one of Thailand's leading artists.