Jesse James
Bangkok, Thailand’s own, Korakrit Arunanondchai, is known for touching on a wide range of subjects and themes. The video and multimedia artist takes a creative look at history, authenticity, self-representation, and globalization, doing so through a unique lens. Since his first solo museum show at MoMA PS1 back in 2014, he has gone to showcase his work worldwide. He is currently displaying a new selection of work that is made of canvases, denim, bleach, and fire at New York City’s Clearing Gallery.
The exhibition is titled “Days after the reverie” and serves as a prelude to a video installation slated to debut in May called History in a room filled with people with funny names 5. The art is full of abstract motifs in vivid hues resembling acid-washed jeans and colorful smoke.
Arunanondchai released a statement regarding the exhibition and its inspiration. The artist stated: “‘No History in a room filled with people with funny names 5’ is based on the “Ghost Cinema,” a common ritual in North East Thailand where monks project films onto walls of temples for an audience made up of ghosts. Villagers are invited to come watch the films with the ghosts. This tradition came from the introduction of portable 16mm film projectors that were brought over by the G.I.s during the Vietnam War.”
The artist merges pop culture references with socio-political issues. The artist said, “There is a painting with a burning yellow bird which is the ‘Mockingjay’ from Hunger Games, a sign of resistance from within a dystopian fantasy world where democracy is ‘permitted’ by a ruling class so long as blood sacrifices are made. Student protesters in Thailand hold three fingers together, symbolizing the Mockingjay, because their uprising must reach the King, who exists in a realm not governable under law.”
Take a closer look at the installation in the images and head over to the Clearing Gallery’s website for more information immediately. While you’re at it, keep it locked with The Culture Curators for more from the art department coming very soon.
Photos via Korakrit Arunanondchai/Clearing Gallery
