"Faroese people are open-minded, curious, and celebrate life like no one else."

On April 21, 2023, a brand-new exhibition by artist Bill Bensley will make its premiere at the ART Space by MOCA BANGKOK at the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at the Chao Phraya River. The exhibition will last until the end of July. Visitors are invited to tour the globe with Bensley and the Faroe Knitting Club in the new exhibition. His trademark humour and vibrant colours will be recognisable to viewers who loved his first exhibition, LOVE CAMP EXPLORE DREAMS, at River City the previous year. Some of the artworks from the sold-out display were resold at Art Basel.

After a solid year of painting, Bensley's new show the Faroese Chronicle is ready. "The exhibition is a rather serious chronicle seen through the rose-tinted lens of the Faroese Knitting Club in the Faroe Islands and my love for that part of the world," said Bensley. "I've been visiting the Faroe Islands for 15 years and have built wonderful relationship with 11 quirky, sometimes simply stark staring mad, but profoundly sincere friends," Bensley said with a grin. I have travelled with this small clique to a dozen countries and have learnt that the Faroese people are open-minded, curious, and celebrate life like no one else." And now I am blessed to be the storyteller of a most obscure and untold chronicle", he continued.

People who visit the Faroe Islands will learn that they are more than just a remote wilderness in the North that looks like something out of a picture book. They are also a close-knit society that holds on to its priceless history like nowhere else in the world. Critics and people who have never heard of the Faroe Islands should both find something to like in Bensley's artistic portrayal of the islands and their people.

"We are thrilled to have Bill as the next featured artist exhibition at the ART Space," said Four Seasons Bangkok Regional Vice President and General Manager, Lubosh Barta. "I've had the pleasure of working with and becoming good friends with Bill for many years throughout my time in Thailand and I am continually impressed by his artistry. I can't wait to see what he has in store for us."

Bensley's work, whether it be artistic or in the hospitality industry, always has a purpose. He spends all of his time raising money for the Shinta Mani Foundation's outreach projects in Cambodia. He does this because he is a deeply committed philanthropist and worried conservationist. Bensley is very dedicated to the Foundation's important work, which helps protect the environment and improves the lives of local families and villagers. The projects will receive 100% of the money collected through the sale of the artwork.

The Day The Animals Smiled by Bill Bensley.

Did the Haroldsens Live Happily Ever After

Each artwork will be given to and raise money for a particular project covering the four pillars of the Foundation: education, health care, conservation/environment, and direct aid. Prices range from USD6,000 to USD8,500. Projects include providing fully funded scholarships for students at the Shinta Mani Hospitality School in Siem Reap, providing clean water via direct pipe systems, installing Kohler water filters in water wells, and offering micro-loans to help a variety of causes for low-income families, such as buying bicycles for kids so they can get to school more easily. On a number of conservation and wildlife protection initiatives, the Foundation also collaborates closely with the non-profit organisation Wildlife Alliance.

The 38-piece Faroese Chronicle show will be on display from April 21 through July 31, 2023. Viewers and purchasers will have access to a digital catalogue where they can browse the artwork and make purchases from other countries. MOCA BANGKOK will coordinate the final stages of packing before shipment. The artworks (each measuring 1.2 x 1.2m) are stretched on collapsible frames, enabling visitors to immediately take them home as checked luggage. The price of shipping is not included.

As part of the exhibition, Bensely will be hosting an exclusive Behind the Art talk at The Library at The Lounge at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, followed by a Painting Master Class on May 20, 2023.

Discover more: Faroese Chronicle