Gridthiya Gaweewong has seen it all. The curator has been part of the scene for almost 30 years, beginning with the opening of her alternative art space Project 304 in 1996. We speak with the Thai artist about lies, truths, and the project she’s curated for ART SG in January 2023.
What is art to you?
Art is one of the most important aspects of human history. Because it is ambiguous enough for everyone, it becomes the tool for propaganda, commercialisation or commodification by groups on the left, right and centre spectrum.
As a curator, I enjoy watching the fluidity and possibility of art, in which I sometimes engage as a participant, observer and producer. Because of my curiosity about its definition, instead of trying to explain it, I keep pushing the boundaries to discover how far it can go and how much it can contribute to shaping a better future.
Art is a lie that tells the truth. Are there any truths you want to convey to the world but haven’t had the chance to?
Each country has its own limitations. There are some truths that have been concealed and prefabricated by the country and some taboos we can’t discuss directly or be upfront with.
Our job is to spill the beans on the ‘unspeakable’ issues that exist in these specific areas. However, working with artists whose works express such truths in their own locality is challenging.
It is an art form to craft lies that tell the truth. Nonetheless, it doesn’t mean they are free to tell the truth outside their individual borders. Is there a way to help them express their artistic expression without harming them or their families?
The film programme you have curated for ART SG is intriguing, and I’m curious to know more about it.
Visitors will discover a variety of works that manifest the artists’ realities. Particularly during the Covid period, these feelings arose from their anxiety, hopes, and fears about the future of our planet.
In this section, we’ll explore the good, the bad and the ugly aspects of the human relationship with nature and technology. It’s about living in the present and coping with a global recession, as we go through these uncertain times together after Covid.
When a visitor sees your creation for the first time, what do you expect them to feel?
I want them to be surprised. Experiencing the wonderful moving images and storytelling should be enjoyable.
We have crafted and constructed this time-based experience gradually so visitors can spend more time with the artworks and the films.
To me, curating this programme is about connecting dots of various kinds in films from different artists. Additionally, since it’s an art fair, I am able to present thought-provoking works from all over Asia to visitors who are art lovers, collectors, and institutions.
Of course, dramaturgy or storytelling is necessary to craft a visual narrative for viewers to enjoy.
In addition to ART SG, could you tell me more about the upcoming Thailand Biennale?
We are preparing for the press conference announcing the first batch of artists taking part in the Thailand Biennale in Chiang Rai in 2023. We are also currently making research trips and organising public programmes in Thailand to raise awareness about the festival.
Towards the end of January, we will launch the press conference and do a small index show of the first batch of artists. There are also some key venues in our programme. One of them is Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple), which was founded by Chalermchai Kositpipat and attracts the most tourists during the high season.
The exhibition will be a prelude to the biennale, which is scheduled to open in December 2023.
You have worked in the artistic space for quite a while. What do you do to keep your creativity flowing?
It can be challenging. I’m lucky to work with a space—Jim Thompson Art Center, or JTAC—that gives me the freedom to start programmes within and outside institutions.
Working with local and international partners we respect is important for keeping our energy and creativity flowing. In addition, I’m old enough to say no to projects that don’t spark joy.
In the end, life is too short.
