Leading art critic and activist Thanom Chapakdee remembered

13 Sept 14:20 Key points summarised by AI

Thanom Chapakdee, a veteran Thai art critic and activist, passed away at 64, known for his "Aesthetics of Resistance" advocating for democracy and "people power."
For over three decades, he dedicated his career to art activism, co-founding groups like "U-Kabat" and organizing festivals such as "ASIATOPIA" to challenge the art world and political repression.
Thanom effectively used art as a weapon against dictatorship, staging protests and organizing numerous projects, particularly in Thailand's Northeast, to foster socio-political engagement and decentralize art.
His extensive writings, international recognition, and commitment to art as a freedom of expression have cemented his significant role in Thailand's historical art movement.

Bright at Midnight: Conceptual echoes of Bas Jan Ader Arrive in Bangkok

Yesterday 15:13 Key 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.