Technique & medium: Site-specific sculpture installation, wood and taffeta.

What’s the background to this piece?
This exhibition showcases artworks by the Thai artists who have or are still studying or working in Germany. I did my bachelor and master degrees in Germany, and I am currently living there so I was invited to participate in this exhibition. Since I work a lot with site-specific installation, Second Class is based on the venue itself, which is the exit of the BACC’s ninth floor.

What was your inspiration?
The piece is inspired by professor Chatree Prakitnantakarn’s book Art and Architecture of the People’s Party. The architecture during that period was clearly minimalistic and supported the notion of “form follows function.” I love looking at the structure of buildings and how different elements come together to form architecture. It’s intriguing how architecture can reflect many things about our society such as the economy, social issues and civilization.

You piece consists of two major components, what are they and how does their relationship help you achieve your concept?
The first part you see at the exit/entrance makes use of real material like unpolished and unpainted pieces of wood. I want them to vaguely reflect the ramshackle wooden houses you typically found along a canal. The other component is designed to give a stark contrast with its imposing, abstract symmetry. The yellow taffeta symbolizes the many aspects of the Orient like religion and monarchy. Together they should provide a conflicting experience for the viewers, walking through a somberly-lit wooden canopy to reach an unidentifiable, bright yellow object.

What will the viewers get out of this piece?
One good thing about a site-specific installation is that it’s open to interpretation. People react to materials differently depending on their individual experience. The only clue I’m giving away is the title of this piece, then it’s up to them to analyze and come up with their own interpretation.

Return Ticket: Thailand-Germany exhibition with Preechaya Siripanich