News
Absurdity in Paradise
Thai contemporary art is all set to make a splash in Germany with the opening today of the exhibition “Absurdity in Paradise” at the Museum Fridericianum in Kassel.
Opened in 1779, the Museum Fridericianum was the world’s first museum conceived for the public and has been the main location of the “documenta” the renown art exhibition founded in 1955.
The Thai artists are Alisa Chunchue, Arin Rungjang, Ekachai Eksaroj, Harit Srikhao, Kanich Khajornsri, Kawita Vatanajyankur, Korakrit Arunanondchai, Manit Sriwanichpoom, Nuttapon Sawasdee, Paphonsak Laor, Pratchaya Phinthong, Rirkrit Tiravanija, Sakarin Krueon, and Somboon Hormtientong. Pichaya Aime Suphavanij is the curator.
The exhibition, which has been organised in collaboration with the Kasseler Kunstverein, configures man and his relationship with his changing surroundings through a culture of thoughts and dialogues embedded in the artworks.
It pulls together a quirky collection of communications that fall through the cracks of everyday life as different communities and ideologies emerge. The idea is that at the point where languages malfunction, the absurdity of situations occurs.
“Absurdity in Paradise” plays with the paradox of Thailand as a paradisiacal place of yearnings. With video and media works, photographs and spacious installations, the 14 Thai artists illuminate the fracture points of presentday Thailand.
In addition to renowned artists such as Arin, Pratchaya and Korakrit, the exhibition also features up-and-coming youngsters Nuttapon, Alisa Chunchue and Harit. In doing so, internationally acclaimed works stand alongside new works created especially for the Kasseler Kunstverein.
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 6pm and the exhibition continues through October 31.