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virtual being

2 december 2021 – 28 february 2022

‘Virtual Being’ is a contemporary art exhibition by 6 collaborating artists, including Tawatchai Puntusawasdi, Taiki Sakpisit, Jiratchaya Pripwai, Nontawat Numbenchapol, Napat Metalerk, and Hassakorn Hirunsirichoke. The exhibition is a collection of works created through a variety of techniques, such as wooden sculptures, films, paintings and sketches, photographs, installations, and miniature ceramic pieces, with each piece connected to the others through the ties of ‘time’ and the ‘form of time’.    The phenomenon of ‘seeing’ that occurs in this exhibition is an invitation for audiences to ponder on the condition of ‘sight’ under the stifling context of the past 2 years’ social isolation, which has also necessitated dramatic adjustments for art spaces, such as the adoption of Virtual Reality as a ‘temporary space’ in a time when leaving one’s home is prohibitively difficult. The observation of this simulated space allows one to notice the distortion of varied perspectives that can only be experienced first-hand. Entering the exhibition space is significant not only because it is a material location, but it allows the audience to spend their time in an alternate reality that allows the ‘form of time’ present in each piece of work to emerge.  The ‘Virtual Being’ exhibition consists of various works, beginning with the sculpture ‘Southeaster Wind’ by Tawatchai Puntusawasdi. Created in 2008, the piece mimics the simple domiciles of the locals who populate the Chao Phraya River Valley, which sway with the seasonal storm winds that pass each year. Next to it is ‘Major Scale’, a golden teak wood sculpture that stands over 6 meters tall. Tawatchai began experimenting with creating twisted sculptures that defied the beliefs and identities thrust upon it by human eyes.    Next to Tawatchai’s works are the ‘Mr. Shadow’ and ‘In Process of Time’ photography collections by Nontawat Numbenchapol, who noticed a massive population of Tai Yai people working in Chiang Mai. The two photo collections, along with the sculpted wooden table, are presented as a product of the journey to explore the origins of the Tai Yai people in the Tachileik and ‘Doi Ko Wan’ areas of the Shan State, Myanmar.   Beyond the photo collections lies the ‘automatic drawing’ and acrylic-on-canvas paintings inspired by the backyard garden of the artist, Jiratchaya Pripwai, which has come to hold great sentimental value for her amidst the raging pandemic. Creating art among the growing flora helped return balance to the artist’s unsettled mind once more.  The miniature ceramic pieces that artist Hassakorn Hirunsirichoke designed were inspired by the artist’s feelings towards plants and small animals that possess intriguing biological systems or physical attributes necessary for survival. Hassakorn’s ceramic miniatures also work in tandem with the surrounding pieces of art, inviting audiences to thoroughly explore the art space to find them all.   Beyond Hassakorn’s ceramic works are 4 symmetrical white paintings by Napat Metalerk. The artist deliberately created a textured surface on each painting by alternately layering lines or images over multiple coats of white paint. Each painting not only communicates through what lies on the front of the canvas, however, as the artist has also hidden messages along the outer frame of the painting as well.    The ‘Tabula Rasa’ film by Taiki Sakpisit is shown inside the screening room, telling the story of a departed husband’s dreams against the beautiful backdrop of Northern Thailand. The film discusses the philosophies of John Locke, combined with the artist’s signature technique of visual story-telling, which pulls viewers into the atmosphere of the narrative, the screening area itself changing to match the unfolding tale.  The ‘Virtual Being’ exhibition aims to present the relationship between time on different forms. Each piece of art works to clarify the intangible concept of time, allowing it to be felt more clearly. This allows the audience to ‘see’ how their interactions with each artwork give meaning to the ‘being’ of each piece of art in front of them, which is a message no less important than what the artists try to convey through their creations. The conversations conceived by this exhibition are also an important milestone towards our integration into the art scene of Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand.

46 atsadathorn road

pa ton  muang

chiang mai 

50300

thailand

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