“the Frozen” group exhibition, curated by Penwadee Nophaket Manont, opens at SAC Gallery on April 27 and runs till July 27.
A profound reflection on the epochal ideas and stories shaping the challenges and transformations of the century, the exhibition unveils itself through the artistic explorations of Prach Pimarnman and Surasit Mankong. The 10 diverse mixed-media pieces, ranging from small to large, tell of a burgeoning global crisis, where human effort to adapt within a world teeming with complexity and uncertainty.
It critically examines the mass media’s role in normalising societal myths, revealing significant shifts across social, economic and political domains that influence our cultural consciousness. Delve into the local lore and historical truths from two distinct regions: the historical Patani Kingdom, which are the Southernmost border provinces today, and the mystical Kham Chanot Forest in Udon Thani, both marked by the subtle influences of deep-state powers.
The Saen Saep by Prach presents a varied ensemble of works, including wood-assembled sculpture, cement sculpture, gold leaf-covered ceramic sculpture, fragments of local gold and ceramics made from Patani local clay, moving images and sounds from interviews, lighting arrangements and shadows. These pieces, crafted from Pattani's local materials, portray the persistent struggle and cultural preservation among the villagers, depicting the vitality and resilience of a culture that continues to thrive despite centuries of upheaval.
Prach masterfully narrates the history of the Patani Kingdom, intertwining its downfall with the enduring scars on the Patani Malays, who were enslaved during the early Rattanakosin era. The long-lasting impact of these historical events continues to shape the lives of the Pattani people, even today. The presentation of these works not only perpetuates ancient tales but also connects them to today’s realities, encouraging us to reflect on the influence these historical narratives exert on our current existence and well-being.
A visual artist interested in exploring the historical narratives and stories of the Malays in Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala, including ancient cities such as Patani, Kelantan, and Terengganu, which are linked from Bangkok along the Saen Saep canal area, Prach uses ready-made materials and found objects to create works that interpret meanings from the traces of these stories and documents. He founded the Satu Padu Collaborative in 2021 and is a network of people from various backgrounds, from grassroots philosophers and homemakers to activists, in Narathiwat and its vicinity.
The Creative Universe by Surasit draws inspiration from a journey back to origins in Udon Thani and the revelation of hidden realities. This series examines the dynamic relationship between humanity and the shifting environments during the Covid-19 pandemic, pulling the artist back to his roots to scrutinise government policies impacting rural livelihoods, particularly in the Kam Chanot area.
This series showcases brass sculptures encased in a refrigerator, accompanied by semi-sculptural photographs and auditory creations that invite the viewer to traverse the sacred realms of Kham Chanot forest and its water sources, now sanctified.
From the mystical depths of Kham Chanot, where legends like “The Screen At Kamchanod” meet the cultural tide of the “Nakee” phenomenon, these narratives stir the soul and draw millions, circulating vast wealth. Wrapped in the aura of ghosts, Brahmanism and Buddhism, Kham Chanot is reborn, emerging as what one might call a “cultural artefact”.
The arrival of outsiders kindles a flux of ideas, merging into new beliefs, novel ritualistic forms, and myriad activities, including those where sanctity shapes the destiny of individuals. This further cements Kham Chanot not merely as a forest lush with natural bounty but as a revered sacred land.
Exploring more than the socio-cultural impacts of state-controlled resources and habitats, Surasit probes the state-induced interventions and evolutions, potentially mismatched with the local ways and needs, challenging the sustainability and fittingness of such developments.
Surasit lives in Udon Thani and is interested in issues arising from the allocation of basic resources such as arable land, water sources and climatic conditions, managed jointly by rural people and the state. He organises workshops to exchange knowledge on pottery and ceramics, and drives the “Art In Front Of Home” initiative, supporting the management of art spaces to create opportunities for the new generation searching for a venue to express their artistic and craft skills.
“the Frozen” exhibition extends beyond a mere exploration of history and culture. It provokes discussions and questions about our methods of remembering and interpreting historical experiences. Furthermore, it initiates dialogues and reflections on the trajectory of future development that should be pursued sustainably and equitably.
The exhibition will be on display from April 27 to July 27 at SAC Gallery, with the inauguration on April 27 at 5pm. Both artists will be present to engage in an exchange of ideas with attendees. Visit the gallery’s website.
