FROM SIMMER TO IGNITION: Group Exhibition

Absorbed in waves of turmoil and frustration for over a decade – from recent pandemic upheaval to ongoing political struggles – we note that an ignition point has arrived in the long but low-burning chain of events. Our past projects and shows reflected on these significant phenomena occurring on both the national and global stages. In a state where history and information are tightly controlled by those in power, artists work as archivists and protectors of histories, riddlers of truths and lies. 

Wrapping up the year 2021, Gallery VER is pleased to present ‘From Simmer to Ignition’, a collective show featuring artworks by 8 distinctively different artists. The selected works embody a wide range of media and subjects. Among the highlights are artworks by Rirkrit Tiravanija and Pattara Chanruechachai, who utilise the same medium – newspaper presenting day-to-day yet significant events – to reveal political meanings hidden between the lines. Meanwhile Nutdanai Jitbunjong’s new works offer up souvenirs of past glory from the archives, rendered unfitting to contemporary eyes. Elsewhere, Thasnai Sethaseree’s vivid paintings lure viewers with their celebratory façades before revealing the dark truth beneath, while Nuttapon Sawasdee’s moving images show his perseverance in presenting a long-forgotten symbol. 

Although displaying different points in Thailand’s timeline, all the artworks lead to our current point of historical collision. Created at various times over the past 10 years, the selected works summon up collective memories as well as forgotten tales to chart a decade of turmoil. Paintings, installations, objects and moving images create a collage with a thread to lead viewers through the labyrinth of confusion. Sifting through this history hidden under silent ashes, the artworks and their voices might just keep us from suffocating in this age of anxiety.