Showing 1 - 10 of 11
Society magnified
Guru, Pasavat Tanskul, Published on 19/07/2019
» Contending with the hustle and bustle of today's post-modern society on a daily basis can often feel like a never-ending sickness. Christopher Wise, a Bangkok based travel photographer and co-founder of art space and bar WTF in Sukhumvit 51, has set out to capture this innate wide-spread feeling of being overwhelmed in today's world by using everyday objects to create life-sized models of microscopic organisms.
Green world rising
Guru, Pasavat Tanskul, Published on 12/07/2019
» The Mall Group has begun charging B1 for each plastic bag to coincide with the International Plastic Bag Free Day on Jul 3. Shoppers at The Mall, Emporium, EmQuartier and Siam Paragon are being encouraged to bring their own bags for all their shopping needs. It's a small but significant step towards the city's progress in reducing the use of plastic like many other places in Thailand. Even Central Group has stopped handing out plastic bags to shoppers. Additionally, they will not provide plastic bags on the 1st, 4th and 16th of every month reminding shoppers to bring in their reusable bags.
Pain For Pleasure
Guru, Pasavat Tanskul, Published on 14/06/2019
» Piyanan "Pi" Kaensuwan and her partner Nutthaphat "Muu" Junpong are practitioners of all things BDSM (for those not in the know, that's sadism and masochism, bondage and discipline or dominance and submission) and are behind the Shibari Night BKK events that used to take place in the now-closed Maison Close. Representing themselves as a dominant cat and a submissive dog, they also manage the Facebook group Thailand BDSM: "Let's Play and Learn", where they hope to provide information for newcomers and veterans on erotic role-playing practices. The pair, along with figures in the shibari (rope bondage) and BDSM scene, recently hosted the very first BDSM Art Fest at De Commune. The event served as an introduction to the BDSM lifestyle and as a platform for education and to destigmatise the practice.
Loud and proud
Guru, Pasavat Tanskul, Published on 14/06/2019
» We've finally hit the half way mark of the year -- June and if you've been out and about, you may have noticed rainbow-coloured decorations (or at least rainbows on your Facebook newsfeed ) because we are in Pride Month. The month in which the LGBTQ+ community promote and express themselves and celebrate gender diversity and sexual identity. The gay pride movement is celebrated throughout the world ever since the Stonewall Riots of 1969 in Manhattan, New York, a pivotal event that led to creation of the movement for LGBT rights. Prominent figures in the community tell GURU what pride means to them and what are they proud. We've also compiled a few pride celebration events around the city that are worth everyone's attention.
Let's get political (art)
Guru, Pasavat Tanskul, Published on 08/03/2019
» With the upcoming general election finally happening on Mar 24, the fate of the city hangs in the balance of voters hoping for some actual policy changes that leans toward democracy. However, some may express scepticism and while expressing one's doubts and criticism could be met with scorn and censorship, there are a few people who have expressed their opinions in other forms -- namely street art. Enter Headache Stencil, an anonymous masked political painter whose art usually deals with Thailand's recent social and political happenings.
The art of interpretation
Guru, Pasavat Tanskul, Published on 02/11/2018
» The first Bangkok Art Biennale has finally hit the city, covering 20 locations and venues by more than 70 local and international artists from 33 countries around the world. There is a lot of art to be seen and admired by just what these talented creators have produced, giving those who are interested an incentive to explore the Big Mango. The event, which took off on Oct 19, will end on Feb 3, 2019.
Doors wide open
Guru, Pasavat Tanskul, Published on 02/11/2018
» Born and raised in Bangkok before studying in the UK and Australia, Oranan Tangpanitanon is the owner of The Hidden Closet, Bangkok's first erotic boutique, on Thong Lor 6. After working in the film industry for a few years, Oranan decided to open the Hidden Closet with her girlfriends in October 2011. That first iteration of the shop, however, has closed down and it moved location in 2016. The store has satisfied many customers looking to sizzle and spice up their sexual adventures and relationships, from offering sensual lingerie, sexy role-playing outfits, fetish gear such as paddles, handcuffs, ball gags, you name it. She will soon open her second branch, The Hidden Closet Studio on Ekamai 12, which will not only be a store but will include, among other services, a couples photo booth, classes and workshops dealing with various topics of eroticism for singles, couples and groups, art and performance events, and much more.
Beyond the ropes
Guru, Pasavat Tanskul, Published on 19/10/2018
» In Bangkok's Charoen Krung area, tucked within an alley lies Maison Close, a dark bar/art gallery and home to some of the more uncommon tastes in art from abstract calligraphy to ero guro. However, as you enter the venue on some nights, art isn't the only focus but a blindfolded woman hung in suspension with ropes. The ropes have been tied up by a rope artist and her model serves as a canvas for elaborate and intricate patterns. Despite looking uncomfortable, the model, dubbed a rope bunny, is in a state of stillness and relaxation, with the ropes symmetrically wrapped around the curves of her body -- something beautiful or mesmerising. This is shibari or the art of Japanese rope bondage. Enter at your own risk.
Talking heads
Guru, Pasavat Tanskul, Published on 28/09/2018
» In most countries, negativity towards mental health and depression still looms large, casting doubt and uncertainty for those who suffer from the common yet complicated mental illnesses to talk about it. "Crazy" or "insane" are words often used for such people, and because of the shame and stigma attached to mental health, it prevents most from seeking professional help. However, several groups and projects have been established to help gain a better understanding of what such people go through, and to raise awareness. Knowing what to say to someone who is depressed may be difficult, but these groups have provided a platform for those wanting to help and more so for those who need help.
Life in plastic
Guru, Pasavat Tanskul, Published on 22/06/2018
» Earlier this month, a whale was found dead in the southern province of Songkhla after coughing up more than 80 (count 'em! 80!) pieces of plastic bags. We pay the price for being heavy users of single-use plastic items at the cost of a life of one poor, innocent mammal that made national and international headlines around the world. It's a huge wake-up call for us to take immediate action and change our behaviour with the way we do away with our rubbish.