The many faces of Ramayana

13 Sept 21:26 Key points summarised by AI

The International Ramayana Festival (Khon Krungsri) is held in Ayutthaya, Thailand, from March 30 to April 3, bringing together diverse interpretations of the Ramayana from Laos, Indonesia, India, and Thailand.
A significant event is the 'Ayodhya Ramayana procession' on April 1, touted as the largest in 130 years, featuring elaborate costumes, decorative floats, and a Thai actress portraying Sita.
The festival highlights the epic's rich cultural heritage, showcasing traditional dramatic performances like Thailand's UNESCO-listed Khon Masked Dance, sword fights, and India's Ramlila.
Visitors can experience free performances at Wat Mahathat and explore a vibrant food and craft fair, celebrating the widespread influence and adaptation of the Ramayana story across Asia.

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.