New York City's Thai Artists Alliance has its second annual multi-disciplinary exhibition, Siamese Connection 2011: Rediscover, and in addition to painting, sculpture, photography, design and installation, the show will include film.
Among the films is the short Homework by Kanin Koonsumitawong, which tells the story of a Thai-American boy, who, having never set foot in Thailand himself, must rediscover his ethnic roots when he is given a school assignment to present an essay about his native country.
Other filmmakers taking part are Chananun Chotrungroj with Homecoming, Vorapat Chutrvachirakul and Bangkok's Labyrinth, Thitiwat Dumrak with New York Horror, Niramon Ross and Evolve and Manasrawee Wongpradu and Ruchupa Somsopa with Habits of Bodies.
According to the press release (PDF), this year’s theme of “rediscover” prompts the artists "to take another look at themselves, their identity and their surroundings, finding new meaning, significance and perspective in familiar or forgotten things."
Other featured artists include Intiporn "Inti" Rojanasopondist, who explores the body's rediscovery of space as it interacts with her site-specific, installation, Suspension, made of hand-crocheted rope. Another is photographer Udom Surangsophon with Self-Portrait, in which he rediscovers boldness and a sense of humor while confronting his life-long affliction with shyness by baring down to his briefs to re-create the packaging on a pair of Calvin Klein underwear.
The show will also feature works from special guest artists including the Siamese Connection 2011: Rediscover jurors: Goil Amornvivat (architect/interior designer), Sarasin Chatwichitkoon (mixed-media artist, president of Thai Artists Alliance), Prawat Laucharoen (professor, printmaker), Keith Schweitzer (independent curator, photographer), Sutthirat Supaparinya (video/installation artist), as well as the work of London-based illustrator, Pomme Chan.
A total of 31 Thai artists and designers are participating.
New York’s largest Thai arts showcase, Siamese Connection was first held last year, providing a platform for emerging Thai artists based in New York, many of whom have come to the Big Apple to work and study. Last year’s Siamese Connection, held in May 2010, drew more than 1,000 attendees throughout its four days.
This year's show takes place from July 28 to 31 at the Invisible Dog Arts Center in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn. The opening reception is on Thursday, July 28, at 7pm with guest speaker Consul-General Piriya Khempon from the Royal Thai Consulate in New York, followed by a dance performance by Siras Nitithatsanakul and friends. Food and drinks will be served. The closing reception on Sunday, July 31 at 5:30pm features live music by a Thai-American performers: Napat Snidvongs and Friends, the Kris & Phueksachard Trio, Earth Science and Low Fat Getting High playing acoustic, jazz, punk and post-rock. Drinks will be served.
Tickets are a suggested $5 donation for admission. Visitors can also register for free entry to the event through the Thai Artists Alliance website.
Last year’s Siamese Connection, held in May 2010, drew more than 1,000 attendees throughout its four days.
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