Technique & medium: Molded plaster, documentary, installation.

Why Longing for Siam, Inventing Thailand?
This exhibition reflects on the history of our country, focusing on the period between 1932-1937 when the government was trying to “invent” Thailand and build its identity. It was a time where there were a lot of changes, and what Thailand is now is a result of those changes.

Can you tell us about this piece?
It’s an installation set in a dark room containing rows of 600 soldier figures made from plaster. The soldiers are facing a screen showing an animation featuring a revolution of Thailand map and how our forefathers migrated here. The viewers are not allowed to enter the room, though. They peek through the purpose-built holes.

And what’s the message here?
The dark room can be likened to one’s experience at the cinema, but at the same time, the fact that they’re not allowed inside the room will remind them that they can look back to the past, but they can’t change it. The holes are put at different angles to provide the viewers with different perspectives.

So it’s slightly political? It is political, but not intended to critique the May protests or the ongoing political strife. It’s essentially a nostalgic flashback to our country’s patriotic past.

What else can we expect to see at the exhibition?
You will get to see propaganda messages and slogans which aimed to instill civilization in the Thai people in those days by encouraging them to wear hats. I’ll also be doing some live drawings as well.

Keeping up with Siamese Map/Thai at Longing for Siam, Inventing Thailand exhibition