What they do in the shadows
Australian photographer Constantine Korsovitis will portray one of the oldest traditions of storytelling through his documentary photography exhibition titled “A Life In Shadows” at Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Center from this Friday to Aug 26.
On display will be more than 30 images that will take viewers to explore the nuance, sophistication and value of shadow theatre traditions in Southeast Asia — in particular Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Cambodia — and the people who perform them.
While each of these nations has its own distinct culture, they share common cultural, religious, linguistic and racial characteristics. Shadow theatre is the singular voice of the region and its common thread is the use of the Hindu epics of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata as the source of stories.
The Sydney-based photographer began his research on shadow theatre by photographing and interviewing puppet maters, musicians and craftsmen in their homes. The idea was to find out who the man or woman was behind the artist and the mask of performance.
With his intention to shed some light on how important these storytellers are and the level of skill and dedication that is required to become a master puppeteer, the exhibition provides a glimpse of the artists’ life beyond the confinement of the traditional performance and studio.
The exhibition is part of the “PhotoBangkok 2018” festival. After Bangkok, the exhibition will travel to Singapore, Sydney, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta.
The opening reception is this Sunday at 4pm and will include a short performance of shadow puppetry by the Nang Yai troupe from Wat Ban Don, Rayong.
Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Centre is on Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue and opens Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 7pm.