Bright at Midnight: Conceptual echoes of Bas Jan Ader Arrive in Bangkok
Oldest Vogue cover model challenges common misconceptions about beauty and aging
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Oldest Vogue cover model challenges common misconceptions about beauty and aging
2 Oct 12:21Key points summarised by AI
Apo Whang-od, a 106-year-old Filipino traditional tattoo artist, made history as the oldest Vogue cover model, captivating global attention and defying conventional beauty standards.
Her feature on Vogue Philippines' Beauty Issue powerfully challenges ageism, demonstrating that beauty is profound and transcends youth, garnering praise from celebrities and academics.
Whang-od actively practices her ancient 'batok' tattooing art daily, embodying continued passion and productivity, and is diligently passing her unique craft to her grandnieces, ensuring its legacy.
Her inspiring story prompts a reevaluation of societal stereotypes surrounding aging, advocating for older adults to remain productive and valued contributors rather than being perceived as a burden.
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.