Showing 1 - 10 of 17
Threading her way through Islam
Life, Kaona Pongpipat, Published on 08/09/2016
» The painting looks computerised, yet there are imperfections as if it was made by hand. Looking closely, the forms on the work seem abstract, yet from afar, they are clearly human figures kneeling down as if praying. Entitled Jamaah 2, an Arabic term loosely meaning the act of doing good in congregation with the community, the work is by Thidarat Chantachua, and it was the winner of the 2015 UOB Painting of the Year Award in the Established Artist Category.
The future, in reverse
Life, Kaona Pongpipat, Published on 08/06/2016
» On the surface, artist Apichatpong Weerasethakul's video of a night journey through a temple doesn't seem to be in dialogue with photographs of Sakhalin island by Japanese Tomoko Yoneda. Nor does there seem to be any connection between Field Recordings' video work documenting migrant workers on the banks of Shanghai's Huangpu River and MAP Office's incredibly detailed imaginary map of "future Hong Kong".
Reframing masters
Life, Kaona Pongpipat, Published on 20/04/2016
» As if the collection of Southeast Asian modern art at the recently opened National Gallery Singapore wasn't overwhelmingly impressive enough, the gallery has recently launched yet another show which, and this is no overstatement, is in itself worth making a trip to the Lion City.
Southern discomfort
Life, Kaona Pongpipat, Published on 19/08/2015
» The artist known as "Darkle" is showing his black and white photographs in an exhibition entitled "The Beautiful South: The Ugly Truth" at Quince -- Eatery & Bar as part of the ongoing Photo Bangkok 2015 exhibition. Darkle is simultaneously looking at and looking away from the conflict and violence in the southernmost provinces of Thailand.
From stuffed rats to geometric abstraction
Life, Kaona Pongpipat, Published on 08/07/2015
» The works in “Synthesis”, on display at Chulalongkorn University’s The Art Center, are best enjoyed individually. From a massive acrylic painting which playfully questions the Thai education system, geometric abstraction portraying urban landscapes to a dead rat stuffed and mounted, the show isn’t exactly “the act of combining separate things, ideas etc into a complete whole”, as the title suggests.
Examining urbanity
Life, Kaona Pongpipat, Published on 03/06/2015
» Stepping into the dimly lit Jim Thompson Art Center, one immediately feels connected. The parade of motorcycles is more than a common sight in Bangkok. The colourful car headlining and flaring lights are reminiscent of a songthaew ride home. Other video installations featuring in the space's current exhibition "Missing Links" are instantaneously relatable, even without any explanatory text.
Writing Asean's future
Life, Kaona Pongpipat, Published on 11/05/2015
» Thai national artist and prominent writer Prabhassorn Sevikul grieves over the state of Thai contemporary literature. He concedes that there no longer seems to be any serious literature, that works these days are mostly light and very commercial. He believes Thai popular contemporary literature is only for those who have won awards.
Blancpain right on time for Lambo bull run
Life, Kaona Pongpipat, Published on 19/12/2014
» Sports cars have long been associated with luxury brands, whether it's haute couture clothing or accessories like watches. For some people, they are inseparable; it's a lifestyle, a way of life. We've often seen partnerships between these brands, as not only can it strengthen their product's image, it can also extend the company's customer base.
Beasts roar out desire for Wanderlust
Life, Kaona Pongpipat, Published on 11/11/2014
» ‘In detail you are even more beautiful than from afar. I could learn you, like the blinded would do feeling a way through the dark.”
A very hairy journey
Life, Kaona Pongpipat, Published on 26/08/2014
» Armed with scissors and a comb, Japanese Jun Kuwabara set out earlier this year to travel the world and, while he's at it, cut the hair of 1,000 people. In a recent interview with Life, the 26-year-old hairdresser took us through the leafy and vibrant Rambuttri in the Khao San area to set up "a temporary salon".