Meeting & Seminars

International Symposium Flourishing Narratives: Honoring the Works of Somporn Rodboon in Art and Education in Thailand Since the 1980s 

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Organised by Bangkok Art and Culture Centre in collaboration with the Faculty of Painting, Sculpture, and Graphic Arts, Silpakorn University
Time: 10.00 – 17.30 hrs.

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This international symposium is organized as part of the book launch of Planting Seeds: Sharing Art and Education, Selected Writings of Somporn Rodboon 1987-2014, to acknowledge and celebrate the works of Somporn Rodboon, a pivotal figure in the Thai art scene. Renowned as a teacher and curator, Somporn has introduced new concepts to the general public through her insightful articles, significantly shaping the art landscape. Her contributions as an educator and her role in shaping Thailand’s artistic discourse and community are invaluable. This event aims to honor her multifaceted impact, showcasing her significant contributions to the Thai art community as an educator, curator, and visionary.

Panel 1: Reflecting on the Roots of Modern and Contemporary Art Landscape in Southeast Asia

Panelists:  
T.K. Sabapathy, Singapore (online)
USHIROSHOJI Masahiro, Japan
Pamela N. Corey, Vietnam

Drawing parallels to the growth of plants from their roots, this panel reconsiders the formative years of the art world in Thailand and Southeast Asia, particularly in the late 1980s. It examines the transformative period when significant shifts occurred in the region’s artistic landscape, likening it to nurturing seeds in fertile soil. Native scholars from Southeast Asia collaborated to challenge the Eurocentric viewpoint and introduce alternative modern art perspectives, advocating for the recognition of “region-ness” and “Southeast Asian art.” These efforts were supported by collaborations within Asia and across the Asia-Pacific region during a transformative era. Please join us in reflecting on the landscape of Southeast Asian art history with the significant art historians and curators who played pivotal roles in fostering and constructing this regional identity, alongside Ajarn Somporn Rodboon.

Panel 2: Branching Out the Curatorial Practice: Future Horizons 

Panelists: 
Kittima Chareeprasit, Thailand 
Pongsakorn Yananissorn, Thailand 
Amanda Ariawan, Indonesia 

From the fertile ground, this panel serves as a platform for vibrant dialogue among emerging Southeast Asian curators, exploring the present state and future direction of curatorial practices. The discussion will explore their reflections on various aspects: Do they consider the enduring legacy of the field? What is their present involvement? Which challenges do they anticipate for the future?

*Participants will receive the book Planting Seeds: Sharing Art and Education, Selected Writings of Somporn Rodboon 1987-2014. – Limited Edition

– English with Thai Translation
– Free admission
– Registration required
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe77U0kBnaQaF1oM48yem4sQmPjTQz7UHTvR-Yj6uEss9cdbg/viewform (** Registration for seat reservations is closed. Live streaming room reservations are now open, limited to 60 seats. **)

For more information, please contact:
Education Department, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre
Tel: +66 (0) 2 214 6630-8 ext. 519
Email: [email protected]