Showing 1 - 10 of 67
Love, beauty, violence
Life, Kong Rithdee, Published on 24/05/2024
» Last year, the world embraced Barbie and Poor Things, two outstanding films that tapped into the state of female consciousness in the 21st century. At the 77th Cannes Film Festival, which ends tomorrow, women-driven stories of all stripes are pushed further up (or down) the emotional spectrum. A noticeable number of titles premiering at the influential festival feature female protagonists in varying states of joy and distress -- and to varying results. Powerful acting by female talent also injects life and spirit into those stories, hailing from all corners of the Earth.
Catch heartthrob Byeon Woo-seok on the small screen
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 22/05/2024
» Byeon Woo-seok is South Korea's hottest star, with the 32-year-old actor rising to fame for his portrayal of Ryu Sun-jae in the TV series Lovely Runner which can be seen on Viu.
Farewell to a maestro
Life, John Clewley, Published on 10/04/2024
» The world of molam has been in mourning since news emerged that Thailand's greatest phin player Thongsai Thap Thanon passed away on March 20 at his home in Warin Chamrap district, Ubon Ratchathani, at the age of 77. The phin is a two- or three-stringed Isan Lao lute that is part of the trinity of molam instruments, along with the iconic khaen (free reed bamboo mouth organ) and the sor (fiddle).
Getting soft power right
Life, Published on 08/01/2024
» After three months in office, the Srettha Thavisin government has raved on about populist policies in the guise of digital wallets and soft power projects that will create income to boost our declining economy. With optimism, we learned that Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Pheu Thai party leader and head of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee (NSPSC), has drafted a budget of 5.1 billion baht to boost festivals and creative industries. It is welcoming news to hear this government is priortising art, music, literature, design, fashion, film, food, games, sports and festivals as essential sources for the creative economy. Where this enormous chunk of budget will come from, like digital wallets, remains to be seen.
Capturing family bonds
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 31/10/2023
» The special bond between artists and their loved ones can inspire them to create captivating works. Two artists -- Thepporn Prikphet and Jakkrit Srisongkram -- won prizes for portraits of their family members in the Italthai Portrait Prize 2023, Thailand's national portraiture competition hosted by River City Bangkok.
Curtains for Chinese opera?
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 27/02/2023
» "Hurry up," shouted a crew member who climbed up onto a makeshift stage. Casting sidelong glances, performers, half-clad, looked in the mirror and concentrated on applying layers of make-up. Nearby, a motley bunch of musicians and technicians double-checked their instruments. A stream of chatter from a growing audience -- without any partition between the theatre and real life -- put unintended pressure on the band.
Hope for a better future
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 22/08/2022
» In the short Surrealist fiction Lok (Peeled) by Jirat Prasertsap, a woman tries to move on after her boyfriend leaves her and she is unable to contact him. She throws away everything that reminds her of her ex-boyfriend. She quits her job and moves to live in another province. However, her memory of him and his touch does not fade, so in an attempt to forget him, she decides to peel her skin from head to toe.
Fascinating Fonts
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 29/07/2022
» The Thai alphabet has an aesthetic appeal that has inspired many creative and artistic works. Since today is National Thai Language Day and to honour Thailand's mother tongue, here are a few noteworthy Thai-font-inspired works and the creative minds behind them.
What is a labourer?
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 13/07/2022
» In mainstream media, labourers are usually portrayed as muscular working-class men who engage in physical work to earn money. In order to expand this stereotypical image of labourers, three aspiring curators -- Trithida Trising, Kukasina Kubaha and Panod Srinual -- of the project "Start! Art Curator Season 2" created the exhibition "Crossing The Lines" to give a different interpretation of labourers.
Cartoons and summer
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 15/06/2022
» While interpreting the theme of "Shall I Compare Thee To A Summer's Day?" exhibition, eight illustrators and cartoonists expressed their relationships with the hot season through cartoon characters.