Salt of the Earth: Salt-making in the region

10 Sept 12:12 Key points summarised by AI

Traditional salt-making in the region is rapidly declining as farmers abandon the craft for other trades and the tourism sector grows.
Salt is traditionally produced either by mining natural rock salt deposits or through the evaporation of brine (seawater or concentrated salt water), often involving filtration and drying processes.
Despite its deep cultural significance and recognition as heritage in countries like Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines (Asin Tibuok on UNESCO list), and Indonesia, traditional salt production faces severe threats of extinction.
The global disappearance of indigenous food production, including traditional salt-making, is driven by technological advancements and the conversion of traditional sites into modern developments.

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.