Bright at Midnight: Conceptual echoes of Bas Jan Ader Arrive in Bangkok
Gods, demons and finery
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Gods, demons and finery
15 Sept 23:01Key points summarised by AI
**Showcases Ancient Khon Artistry:** The "Vichitraporn and the Fine Arts of Khon" exhibition unveils Thailand's oldest Khon masks, elaborate headdresses, and spectacular traditional costumes at the Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Center.
**Explores Ramayana's Iconic Figures:** The display features masks of divine heroes like Rama, fierce demons such as Ravana and Kumbhakarna, and the monkey army, central to the UNESCO-recognized Khon masked dance drama.
**Highlights Exquisite Craftsmanship:** The exhibition emphasizes the intricate artistry involved in creating Khon masks, which require mastery of various skills from papier-mâché to gold leaf, alongside finely detailed costumes and jewelry.
Bright at Midnight: Conceptual echoes of Bas Jan Ader Arrive in Bangkok
Yesterday 15:13Key points summarised by AI
"Bright at Midnight" marks the first institutional exhibition in Asia of Dutch conceptual artist Bas Jan Ader, showcasing his enigmatic work at Bangkok Kunsthalle until January 10, 2027.
The exhibition delves into Ader's legacy, exploring themes of vulnerability and the ephemeral, made more poignant by his 1975 disappearance at sea during an art project.
It encourages viewers to engage with art beyond its material form, featuring key pieces like "Thoughts unsaid, Then forgotten," "Light vulnerable objects threatened by eight cement bricks," and the haunting film "Launch of the Ocean Wave."
A highlight is the planned live transformation of "Light vulnerable objects threatened by eight cement bricks" in 2026, where ropes will be cut, creating a new layer of art from the destructive impact.
The exhibition challenges conventional art consumption, advocating for a deeper appreciation of conceptual and research-driven artistic practices over mere fascination with art as an asset class.