In this edition of Art Normal 2 (Toy Buri), being held for the second time in Ratchaburi province, there are a number of artworks that change the former meanings and functions of the spaces they are set within. Example being, ‘Waiting for the Bus’ (2016) by Vipavee Kunavichayanont that transforms a decayed alleyway into an art space and ‘Train Machine’ (2016) by Wittaya Chanma that brings an abandoned train carriage new life. Moreover, in addition to the aforementioned artworks, there’re other genres of art that attempt to urge the audience to realize the existence of some place in the city and, while every city has its prohibited place, ranging from a casino to a decaying area, Art Normal 2 does not avoid speaking about these sorts of places alongside any others.
‘Happy New Year’ by Withit Chanthamarit is installed in front of a motel’s entrance and, whether it was the artist’s purpose or not, this artwork reveals this prohibited place to the city, inviting the audience to gaze at the work and then asking aloud – ‘What is this place?’ while simultaneously eliciting thoughts within our heads as to what could happen inside (even if only in our imaginations).
The former concept of the artwork discusses ‘the change affected by time’ where Withit drew upon the photograph of a ‘Happy New Year’ signboard that always remains on the wall (whether the festival had already passed or not) in order to express an emotion of nostalgia as one gazes at the image that was once a symbol of happiness, and further a reflection of the current situation in the city where a big change is about to happen soon. The ‘Happy New Year’ was installed in front of the motel’s entrance in an aluminum frame with a lamp set inside. Through this distinctive installation method, the former meaning is altered – the photograph no longer leads the audience to look back to the past, but rather presents a sort of portal’ not unlike that of a CCTV, seemingly allowing for one to look inside. For this reason, the photograph seems to contain much more ‘time’ than a photograph presented in a typical wooden frame and also enchants the audience to gaze at the picture longer than before, not only considering the depicted image but also waiting for a while to observe whatever activity may happen inside this prohibited place…
Art Normal 2 will be on exhibit until 24 July 2016 in Ratchaburi province.
