Bright at Midnight: Conceptual echoes of Bas Jan Ader Arrive in Bangkok
Fancy Thai desserts with odd names
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Fancy Thai desserts with odd names
13 Sept 08:32Key points summarised by AI
Ban Nong Bua, an ancient Thai community in Chanthaburi, enthralls visitors with its unique and provocatively named desserts and street food, including "Monkey Willy" and "Cow Piss."
This historic riverside village, settled by Hainanese descendants over two centuries ago, has transformed into a vibrant weekend travel hotspot, blending historical charm with a bustling marketplace.
The dessert "Monkey Willy" exemplifies the old-school naming tradition where dishes received whimsical or descriptive names, often based on their appearance, rather than modern marketing appeal.
Beyond its famously named sweets, Ban Nong Bua offers a rich culinary experience, featuring diverse seafood, traditional Thai snacks, and local noodle dishes, alongside its historical attractions.
Visitors can explore the community's charming old shophouses and alleys, immersing themselves in its rich heritage and lively street food scene.
Bright at Midnight: Conceptual echoes of Bas Jan Ader Arrive in Bangkok
Today 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.