Tell us a bit about how ArtdeGround came into being.
I discovered lots of art galleries and stage crews around my university [Thammasat] that so many people seemed unaware of. So much of this art contained very real social and cultural value. I felt a need to get involved, so I started an art community which later became ArtdeGround. I want the group to be a real social enterprise and this idea was recognized with a Thai Health Promotion Foundation’s 20 Best Ideas Award. Later I met Chai at a stage workshop hosted by Crescent Moon Theatre, and I asked if he wanted to join us.
So what exactly is your focus?
Basically we host and run a Facebook page (facebook.com/ARTdeGround) for art lovers focused mainly on contemporary art. We post and share stuff that we’re interested in, including upcoming art events in Bangkok. We then pick one activity and ask our followers to join us on an art tour, which we film and air on our YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/theartdeground). These art tours have been our main thing so far, but now we are launching our own art projects. We plan to put on two performances this year, the first of which is Ocean Butterfly. We will also run occasional workshops, like drawing therapy and special art classes for kids.
What’s the inspiration behind Ocean Butterfly?
Ocean Butterfly was borne from a curiosity with Thai fantasy; if you talk to the younger generations, fantasy is all about witches and zombies. Thai fantasy is not so popular among children because it is always presented in an old-fashioned way. If it were not included in the school curriculum, it would surely go extinct. That inspired us to do a modern reinterpretation of Pra Apai Manee, long considered one of the great works of Thai literature. We tell the story through the eyes of Pee Sue Smut, the ocean beast, whereas normally Pra Apai Manee is the main character. We also add in 3D techniques for that supernatural touch, but keep the original poetic dialogue.
What’s next for you guys?
Our next performance, Transaction, will run later this year. The story will combine two sciences seemingly at odds—economics and art—presented through physical theatre. ArtdeGround will develop the show, as economics is my profession, while for the performance part, we are collaborating with Thanapol Wirunhakul, a dancer and choreographer who has worked with many stage troupes like B-Floor. It will be a whole new thing for our art scene.
