People's Gallery

The Angle of ISAN


By Paisan Singtham
Opening: 5 August 2014 at 18.30 hrs.


Isan culture (northeastern region of Thailand) is known to be beautiful in its simplicity, with its traditional attires meticulously designed.  Isan women dress themselves in Pha Sin,a piece of clothing unique to the local area. The mannerisms of Isan people are deep-rooted in the younger generations, and are another part of what makes Isan culture remarkable. On the whole, these beautiesare telling of the moderate lifestyles that leaves memorableimpressions on Isan’s visitors. 
 
The paintings of The Angle of ISAN  tell stories of the beautiful simplicity of Isan. What a woman chooses to dress herself in can often indicate her propriety. This is especially true for a woman’s choice in Pha Sin, which although are decorative tapestries created using complicated processes, are presented and worn in the simplest ways.

The exhibition is thus a reflection of beauty that has sparked from abstemiousness, ultimately portraying the importance of a lifestyle of moderation. The women in these paintings therefore push us to look to these cultures, which are not limited to Isan, but including all local and indigenous cultures, in the hopes that we see “a long-lasting and simple happiness”. We all strive for happiness, but we often forget that true happiness be found inside ourselves.