AFTER AN EXTENDED SHUTDOWN PERIOD, NEW WORLD DEPARTMENT STORE REOPENS ITS DOOR AS THE EXHIBITION SPACE FOR “ARCH SU FEST: 2020 | NEW WORLD X OLD TOWN” EXHIBITION
TEXT: PRATCHAYAPOL LERTWICHA
PHOTO: NAPAT CHARITBUTRA
After an extended shut down period, New World Department Store reopens its door as the exhibition space for “ARCH SU FEST: 2020 | New World x Old Town” exhibition, held between 13th and 21st June 2020. Initiated by Assistant Professor Dr. Supicha Tovivich, a professor of the Faculty of Architecture, Silpakorn University, the project hopes to be a new beginning for the deserted space to make its return as a part of the local neighbourhood.
“ARCH SU FEST: 2020 | New World x Old Town” exhibition is divided into 4 different parts. The first segment features sketch designs by the students of the Faculty of Architecture, Silpakorn University that propose different approaches to the renovation of the department store. The next part, titled 20×20, tells stories of a group of 20 people through 20 different objects that reflect the characteristics of Bang Lamphu neighbourhood.
The third part is the lighting installation by Atelier 58 and Wire Knot Studios (both teams are Silpakorn University’s Faculty of Architecture’s alumni), conveying the tales of the space through the vivacious illumination. The last part of the show is the exhibition, 40 persons, which showcases the portrait paintings of 40 important figures of Bang Lamphu neighbourhood. Each of the paintings of the 40 persons, who were selected from a study conducted by Panthip Likachai, one of the leaders of Gaysorn Lamphu Club, is presented with a short quote describing each individual’s contributions to the community.
While the exhibition isn’t open for public viewing due to the COVID-19 pandemic and safety reasons, the team has opened a Facebook page called Bang Lamphu Everyday, which put together all the contents and activities related to the exhibition. The page also features reviews of the people who had a chance to visit the exhibition space from the residents of Bang Lumphu neighbourhood, the press to a number of influencers, who have done a terrific job recounting the experiences, which have stirred up eager interest among exhibition goers and social media enthusiasts to see inside New World Department Store and snap some new profile pics.
The talk, “New World Old Town”, which will take place on 20th June 2020 at 17.00-19.00, invites special guests, Associate Professor Dr. Chatri Prakitnonthakan, Manatspong Sanguanwuthirojana and Panthip Likachai to discuss and exchange views and ideas on historical changes and transition into the modern world.
For more information, visit fb.com/บางลำพู-everyday-443527169372520/