Art on Farm: a diary from the Isan plateau
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| When | 31 Mar - 24 Jun 2012 |
| Where | The Jim Thompson Art Center, Bangkok |
Press Release
The exhibition 'Art on Farm: a diary from the Isan plateau' is a collective exhibition of work from the Art on Farm projects from 2009 – 2011. The Art on Farm projects at the Jim Thompson Farm began with the collaboration of the Jim Thompson Art Center and the Jim Thompson Farm. We invited artists to produce works in the context of Eco Agriculture and North Eastern style architecture, giving the artists the opportunity to interrelate between art and the environment, including the raising of silk worms, agriculture, culture and architecture within the context of the North-East, with the aim of connecting art, life and nature.
The artists were encouraged to work with nature, local artifacts and recycled materials, they were inspired by being on the farm, in the factory and by learning about how silk worms were raised, drawing silk thread, weaving and dyeing, together with observing the daily life of the Jim Thompson employees. The artists were not only inspired by the stories and context of the farm but also by the communities around them such as their history, myths and legends, the landscape and customs, even the food and meals. How the way of life has changed from the past to present also resulted in all the artworks reflecting and transmitting this culture. Each year the artworks were displayed around the farm as part of the Jim Thompson Farm Tour.
The Jim Thompson Art Center, realising the importance of expanding this knowledge through art, from rural communities to urban society, has decided to show these works once again but in a different space and context. We want to create a new dimension for the viewers to see the changing relationship between the viewers and the artwork and between the work and changed space. Resulting in Art on Farm: a diary from the Isan plateau.
The Exhibition Art on Farm: a diary from the Isan plateau features 17 artworks by 19 artists under these subjects: way of life, history, customs and folk wisdom.
Artists explored the relationship of the North Eastern way of life and their present life style, which is constantly changing. The remembrance of the familiar such as cooking meals or switching on the radio or TV is a connection for them, like returning home.
Featuring Installation by Dr. Apiradee Kasemsuk and Dr. Nattinee Karnchanaporn, Pitt Martliam, Sutthirat Supaparinya, Pratchaya Phinthong and Worathep Akkabootara.
Story telling is like evidence of the past, showing the way of life, customs and the past history of the people, it is also used as a hidden teaching of past beliefs. The artists tell of the local history from a new perspective through letters, photos and moving images. Video and Sound Installation by Assist. Prof. Songwit Pimpakun, Photography and Book by Kornkrit Jianpinidnan and Video Art by Santiphap Inkong-ngam.
The continuing customs of the Isan people such as the Rocket Festival and Boon Pra Vej Festival are aimed at bringing happiness, abundance and prosperity with the underlying condition of respect for nature and religion and with the hidden objective of bringing about unity within the community. Presented by an Installation by Adisak Phupa and Painting by Montree Moungkun.
The artists adapted recycled materials from the weaving factory and the farm, playing with the physical nature of the material and with the combination of folk wisdom, create a new perception of nature. Featuring Installation by Chakkrit Chimnok and Pattree Chimnok, Sitthikorn Khawsa-ad, Assist.Prof. Dr. Rachaporn Choochuey & all(zone), Disorn Duangdao, Sudsiri Pui-Ok and Sculpture by Imhathai Suwatthanasilp.
Photo courtesy of the organiser
The Jim Thompson Art Center
6 Kasemsan soi 2, Rama 1 Road
Patumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Tel: 02 612 6741 02 219 2911
Email: penwadee@jimthompsonhouse.com / artcenter@jimthompsonhouse.com
Website: www.jimthompsonhouse.com
