'STRONGER TOGETHER'
Ratchaprasong art exhibit hopes to show that there is life after a pandemic
Due to Covid-19 impacting Thailand’s economy and people’s mental health for several months, a project titled “Ratchaprasong Stronger Together: Arts From The Heart” — Stronger Together in short — is turning several BTS skywalks into an open gallery to showcase a series of nine striking artworks that synchronise with over 70 soothing songs to lift the community’s spirits.
Continuing until Oct 15, this collaboration of the Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association (RSTA), Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and over 50 leading artists in different fields is helping to bring Bangkok’s major shopping destination back to life.
“As we are facing the ongoing Covid19 pandemic, people have been falling into depression. Many people are thinking about survival and/or how our lives will go on. Actually, we still have each other. The meaning of the Stronger Together campaign is that we’re still alive and have power to come together and join forces so that we can get through the matter. If we stay together, we can do it. This will spark the idea in society that they don’t have to stay home aimlessly,” said Chai Srivikorn, president of Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association.
“At this time, it’s not only the responsibility of the government to deal with the economic downturn or TAT to stimulate tourism. This is our country. We all need to help each other. This is the key message of Stronger Together. Here is a stage where people can see what’s happening and where we can come to discuss and make the impossible become possible. We have to consolidate to build and not dispute things. This is the power of Thailand.”
Running from the BTS Chidlom station to CentralWorld, pedestrians can enjoy a visual feast, in which veteran artist Jakkee Kongkaew is showcasing his finest woodblock titled Covid Crisis. His work depicts the landscapes and serene atmosphere along Nakhon Sawan Road, home to the old Nang Loeng market. The street, alleys and shops on this road became empty as people isolated themselves at home.
“The inspiration came from a picture I took while travelling from my home in Nakhon Pathom to Bangkok a few months ago. At that time, I drove past Nakhon Sawan Road and was stunned that the road was empty. The ambience was that of complete silence. There were no cars or people. I thought that this was a positive point of Covid-19 since it gave us time to ourselves. Everyone had to work from home, which meant we could spend more time with family. I spent one month crafting this woodcut in black and white to record that moment,” Jakkee said.
“I’m glad to take part in this project. It’s a rare chance to exhibit my work on the skywalk. This is an open space that everyone can visit and appreciate art, no matter who they are. Normally, it’s hard to see housekeepers, security guards or even homeless visiting a gallery. After the authorities lifted the disease control measures, crowds of youngsters have visited galleries more often. For example, the Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre has become a hip hangout for young art lovers to view exhibitions, sip coffee and take some photos to share on social media. Art can heal our soul.”
Renowned street artist Peerapong Limthamrong, aka P7, presents a colourful painting called The Sky Ape P7 to encourage people to use their imaginations freely and give them a sense of liveliness. A provocative monkey-like character wearing sunglasses represents urbanites and fun.
“My work is colourful and this is my first time using a freestyle hand-drawn digital print on canvas technique. Art can soothe our spirits. I want audiences to feel relaxed, happy and fun while walking. This is my way to encourage people to live their lives and provide them with inspiration to work happily,” Peerapong said.
Another highlight is Wealth Management, an astonishing three-dimensional painting of a rocking doll created by acclaimed illustrator Phannapast “Yoon” Taychamaythakool, who worked with the world’s leading luxury fashion brand Gucci.
Surrounded by flowers, the rocking doll represents resilience and balance for living. She used lenticular printing techniques to make her painting seem as it is moving when visitors view it from different angles and perspective.
“I’ve been bound with Ratchaprasong district since I was a student. I want to do something to bring it back to life. This venue is connected with several communities and not only economic activity. During the lockdown, I stayed home for three months and heard about flexibility in the news. It can take us back to normal fast when there’s a problem. I think it looks like a rocking doll that can keep balancing to get back to its position,” Phannapast said.
“It is wealth that comes to mind when we think of Ratchaprasong. So, I found a new meaning of wealth management amid the new normal. It’s not only money but also health, belief and living. Looking at my work, visitors will see the key to balance so that they can enjoy sustainable living.”
To raise awareness about the environment and waste management, talented designer Ploenchan “Mook” Vinyaratn came up with Untitled, a face mask-inspired artwork made with rubbish collected from around her home.
The idea was to reflect the fact that we learn to adjust when we have to. We wore face masks when leaving the home and used food delivery services while working from home. These changes in lifestyle increased the amount of plastic pollution around the world.
Also on view are artworks by Somnuek “Kru Parn” Klangnok, Pomme Chan, Napassorn Phuthornjai, Jirayu Tantrakul and Pimdao “Mutmee” Panichsamai. During the day, commuters will be lulled with new inspiring songs such as Thai Kod Thai, Mai Thing Kan, Hua Jai Klai Kan, Thur, Prathet Thai Tong Chana and Duay Kan.
Featuring famous artists like Singto Numchok, BNK48, Pongsit Kampee, Ben Chalatit and Pod Moderndog, this is the collective efforts of leading record labels including Spicy disc, Loveis and Songwriter’s club to send the love to Thais and soothe all souls during this crucial time.
“Our single — Thai Kod Thai — is a collaboration between Spicydisc, Mcot and Wham.asia. The idea first popped up after the country underwent lockdown and people were required to stay home. We didn’t play any instruments or sing a song. So, I persuaded my friends — Get from The Rube and Fluke from 6ixty Miles — to compose a song, aiming to convey some messages to people,” said guitarist Gent Manopiniwes from Mild, who served as a producer for Thai Kod Thai.
“To educate people on how to live with Covid-19, our song is about disease control measures like wearing face masks, washing hands frequently and using our own spoons. This is the way to show our spirits to people and medical personnel by using hearts to embrace hearts.”
After the outdoor exhibition, all artworks will be displayed for sale on the ground floor of Gaysorn Tower. The proceeds will be donated to purchase medical equipment for Chulalongkorn Hospital, Police Hospital and Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute.
Ratchaprasong Stronger Together: Arts From The Heart is on view on the skywalk from the BTS Chidlom station through CentralWorld until Oct 15. Admission is free.
Find out more details at facebook.com/WeLoveRatchaprasong or bkkdowntown.com.