The International Innovative Craft Fair 2017, or IICF 2017, is now behind us, with its brilliant updated display of chic, stylish forms of contemporary Thai handicraft skills on the international stage.
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IICF, this year’s International Innovative Craft Fair, was sponsored by Support Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand, which had its own “SACICT Concept” booth displaying many offerings from a new generation of Thai craftwork designers: household ornaments, furnishings, tableware, and more, from an astonishing selection of fashionable items to mix and match.
The Fair was full of excitement. Basketwork, eye-catching ceramics, minimalist wood creations, indigo-dyed cloth, silk fabric in unique and novel forms, all examples of the transformation of intricate thought and production processes into high-quality handcrafted work. There were amazing seminars on selected arts and crafts topics, and workshops galore where participants could jump in to test their own creative skills.
Summer is here to stay now the rain is gone. And it’s beginning to look like a scorcher. But that’s nothing compared to the highest recorded temperatures in the ten ASEAN countries. Check this out!
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Myanmar:The temperature at Myinmu, a river town west of Mandalay, rose to its highest at 47.2 °C (116.96 °F) on May 14 as a moderate El Niño occurred in 2010
Thailand: Mae Hong Son saw the hottest temperature on record in Thailand topping out at 44.6 °C (112.3 °F) on April 28, 2016. The previous record was held by Uttaradit at 44.5 °C (112.1 °F) on April 27, 1960.
Vietnam:The temperature at Con Cuong rose to a record 42.7 °C (108.9 °F) on May 30, 2015. The city of Con Cuong is located in Nghe An Province in the North Central region of Vietnam.
Cambodia:The new all-time record high for Cambodia was set on April 15, 2016 in Preah Vihea when the mercury soared to 42.6 °C (108.7 °F).
The Philippines:Mindanao Island observed its highest temperature on record at General Santos with a 39.4 °C (102.9 °F) reading on April 16, 2016. This was a long way from the national record of 42.2 °C (108 °F) held by Tuguegarao in April 1912 and May 1969.
Laos:The hottest day at Thakhek sent the mercury soaring to a record 42 °C (107.6 °F) on April 20, 2015. That tied the previous record of 42 °C held by Savannakhet since March 1933.
Malaysia: The all-time record in Malaysia was 40.1 °C (104.2 °F) at Chuping on April 9, 1998.
Indonesia: There are two candidates. The all-time record high of 38.8 °C (101.8 °F) was measured at Makassar City in Sulawesi in 2012. However, the hottest temperature recorded by reliable sources in the country was 39.5 °C (103.1 °F) at Jatiwangi, on Java on November 19, 2006.
Singapore:A record 37 °C (98.6 °F) reading was measured on April 17, 1983 by the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS), which confirmed the hottest day on record in the island country.
Brunei:The hottest day came on July 6, 2015 at Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of the Sultanate of Brunei, with the mercury rising to a record 35 °C (95 °F). For reference, on that day the average high was 32°C (89.6 °F).
Thailand’s largest private sector property development called “One Bangkok” will become a new global landmark when its first components open in 2021.
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One Bangkok
TCC Assets (Thailand) Co, Ltd and Frasers Centrepoint Limited (FCL) will jointly develop “One Bangkok,” the country’s first and largest fully integrated district based on people-centric principles and a focus on environmental sustainability and smart-city living.
Out of the total land area of 16.7 hectares, the project has a generous allocation of 8 hectares of green and open space to the city center. “Our vision is to create a place that people can love and want to spend time in,” said Mr. Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, TCC Group Chairman.
The project will be undertaken with an estimated investment value of approximately US$3.5 billion. It promises to become a new global landmark destination when its first components open in 2021. “The fundamental aim in the planning and design of One Bangkok is to enhance Bangkok’s stature as a key gateway city in Asia,” said Mr. Charoen.
One Bangkok
The development project will have a gross floor area of 1.83 million square meters, consisting of five Grade A office towers built to LEED and WELL standards, five luxury and lifestyle hotels, three ultra-luxury residential towers, a comprehensive array of retail offerings within differentiated retail precincts, and a rich variety of civic areas, and art and culture facilities.
An integrated city-within-a-city district, One Bangkok is expected to be completed in 2025.
Mr. Charoen said, “We are honored to be entrusted by the Crown Property Bureau to turn this important plot of land in the heart of the city into a showpiece district.” The land is leased from the Crown Property Bureau and enjoys a prime location right next to Bangkok’s largest central park — Lumphini Park — with direct links to the city’s mass transit systems, as well as easy access to the expressway network.
“The Rising Together-Baton Run” for the 2017 SEA Games and the ASEAN Para Games (KL 2017) will be touring Bangkok this Saturday.
After 16 years, Malaysia is once again hosting the SEA Games and the ASEAN Para Games, which will be branded as Kuala Lumpur 2017. “The Rising Together-Baton Run” is a pre-game event for KL 2017 organized by MASOC with the cooperation of the countries involved.
Fast Facts of Baton Run
The run is held in conjunction with the 29th SEA Games and the 9th ASEAN Para Games (Kuala Lumpur 2017)
The baton will then be switched to a torch, which will be brought all over the country.
The run will be for a distance of 10 kilometers on average, covering 10 capital cities of the SEA region.
The run will cover iconic locations within the capital cities such as Malacanang Place in the Philippines, Singapore Lion in Singapore, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque in Brunei Darussalam and That Luang in Lao PDR.
The main runner, together with a group of at least 30 supporting runners, will then run from the main point for two kilometers and pass the baton to another set of runners led by another main runner, who will be on standby at the first check point.
The SEA Games will be held from Aug 19-31 and the official closing ceremony will be held in conjunction with the 60th Merdeka Day while the ASEAN Para Games will be held from Sept 17-23.
Dates
About the Baton
Royal Selangor is the designer of the baton that will be used in the Rising Together Baton Run. Below is the description of the baton:
The Baton draws directly from Kuala Lumpur 2017’s theme Rising Together. Its clean form depicts a clear reference to the symbolic shards that represent every Southeast Asia nation and make up the Games’ logo. Its triangular cross section, based on the strongest geometric shape, represents strength in unity. The length and width of the baton is 400.0mm (L) x 44.0mm (W); and it weighs approximately 600g. The Baton comprises a stave made of tawny wood native to Southeast Asia, and a satin-finished pewter finial.
The exact baton, which comes together with its box ,will be up for sale by Royal Selangor for RM1,480.00 per piece. It is now open for pre-orders to public.
Left : The baton draws directly from Kuala Lumpur 2017’s theme Rising Together Right : Rimau, the mascot of SEA Games 2017 is inspired by the graceful and powerful Malayan Tiger. Rimau is gracious, friendly, competitive and athletic.
Every year the Thailand International Furniture Fair (TIFF) continues to attract wider audiences from across the country. The landmark event has become a Mecca for designers, craftspeople, and the industries to present the latest in designs and innovative ideas to public views. Here are some of the trend-setting shows from 8-12 March 2017.
– Podium –
Podium’s 2017 collection features beautiful pieces of cane furniture made using the latest in cane weaving techniques. Also known as rattan, or wicker among Americans and Scandinavians, cane furniture is sought after by aficionados of the minimalist and Tropical decorating style.
– Yothaka –
An exciting collection by Yathaka is known as “Yothaka X Galvanii.” It’s the product of collaboration between the master craftsman and the galvanized steel furniture specialist. The Yothaka collection offers a series of metal panels with complementing weaving crafts that blend well with galvanized steel sofa sets by Galvanii.
“Customers prefer our products because they not only give their homes a refreshing change, but also make good conversation starters.” – Suwan Kongkhunthian, designer at Yothaka
– Galvanii –
Durable galvanized steel is an ideal material for outdoor furniture. Galvanii has the design and cutting-edge technology capable of doing exactly that.
– Hat –
Hat is a group of award-winning designers. The cohort of creative thinkers is widely known for impressive designs of great originality.
– Kenkoon –
Highlights of the Kenkoon booth include an enormous coffee table designed for the outdoors. The table comes wrapped in materials designed to emulate beautiful sedimentary rock formations.
Design // Metchanun Suensilpong and Group“This table is made of the material that we’ve never used before. You can expect more of new materials from Kenkoon Design in the near future,” Metchanun Suensilpong
– BaanchaaN –
A forest of elegant chandeliers and hanging lamp ideas by BaanchaaN is inspired by the beauty of weaving crafts.
– Masaya –
This up and coming brand is making great progress and likely to become even more successful in brass furniture design. Masaya just won a DEmark Award last year.
– Ease –
Ease, an embroidery design studio, has come up with the aptly named, “Silence Collection” for 2017. Its embroidery design acoustic board is the product of collaboration between Ease and Feltech.
Design // Nichepak Torsutkanok and Wanus Choketaweesak“I want to bring common patterns in everyday life to the limelight, whether it’s old wallpaper patterns, or curved iron designs, or tile patterns,” Wanus Choketaweesak
– Plural Designs –
Plural Designs rose to fame with its ingenious modern design. Now the designer has made the brand even more attractive by adding a touch of craftwork to the design.
– Dots Object –
The wooden fixed-gear bicycles on display bespeak the designer’s passion for bicycle riding.
Design // Krit Phutpim
– Deesawat –
Deesawat, one of Thailand’s big names in furniture making, reveals a new lounger with brilliant design. Made for space saving and mobility, the comfortable lounger can fold vertically, pack, and store neatly when not needed.
Design // Kodai Iwamoto
– Corner 43 –
Making heads turn at TIFF 2017 are a set of woven chairs by “Salt and Pepper Design Studio X Corner 43.” The eye-catching chairs are made using special weaving techniques. The group also has on display plenty of beautiful pieces inspired by weaving crafts.
Design // Salt and Pepper Design Studio
– Bambunique –
Bambunique takes the charm of bamboo into the world of contemporary design. It features new collections including beautifully handcrafted cosmos tables and Tether chairs in pleasing shades that restore glory to bamboo design.
Cosmos table and Tether chairs
– Studio 248 –
This young and synergized group has never run short of great ideas. Its showcase this year includes an expandable pendant lamp shade for indoor use, and a wooden folding chair.
Design // Jakkapun Charinratana“Asked to design a chair for TCDC Commons, I come up with one that is foldable, easy to carry and stack up, but still comfortable enough to sit on,” Jakkapun Charinratana
– Ayodhaya –
Ayodhaya’s signature is about using natural materials for their ability to bring out a touch of the Orient. Its products should go well with eco-chic decor.
– Plato –
If you are a big fan of teak wood furniture, the Plato booth is a must-visit.
– Mobella –
Mobella creatively adds a traditional Thai-style ambience to the living room with a comfy modern sofa set. The company also introduces “Mobella Home,” a sister brand, at this year’s show.
“This year we launch “Mobella Home,” a collection of accessories inspired by traditional Thai handcrafted items. Our goal is to show the charm of Asian design to the world,” Anupol Yooyuen, design director at Mobella.
– Eqologist –
Uniquely designed indoor pendants by Eqologist are made of eco-friendly cassava particles with a bamboo base.
Design // Anon Pairot
– ROOM Lab –
ROOM Lab is a group of fun and creative designers. These wall clock designs crafted of wood highlight the brand’s charm and personality.
– Patapian –
Patapian presents fine woodcraft products paired with unique weaving designs. This year the designers introduce two new items — an adjustable wood tray, and a handheld mirror inspired by a snail in motion.
Design // Supattra Kreaksakul and Varongkorn Tienaprmpool“We love weaving crafts. We are inspired by nature and every little surrounding detail in our daily lives. We try weaving everything, even plastic and brass wire. It feels good when our customers appreciate the stories behind our works of art,” Supattra Kreaksakul
Street art has achieved recognition on the Thai art scene over the past decade. The leading artist in this genre is Patcharapol Tangruen, also known as Alex Face. He created the three-eyed baby in fluffy bunny outfit character that appeared on the walls across Bangkok, Jakarta, Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, London, Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Berlin.
While he was an art student, his friends and professors didn’t understand why he kept spraying in public space, and thought it was ridiculous. But Alex Face disagreed. “Street painting is a kind of expression and could draw many audiences,” he said. “If it’s hard for people to engage with art, we should take it to engage with people instead.”
With that idea in mind, Alex Face hit the street with his colorful graffiti and the signature character that was inspired by his daughter. He also met fellow street artists from around the world, got the invitations to work abroad, and became an internationally-renowned street artist.
“I studied art, so I’m interested in all kinds of art,” Alex Face answered when asked about his style of work. “Not only did I graffiti, I’ve also painted, printed and sculpted. I like it all. It depends on which techniques could be compatible with my concepts.” He also said that he set up “ALIVE”, his most recent event, to show his art experience from childhood till now.
“You will see what skills I had practiced, and encounter different kinds of works of art that you’ve never seen before,” he assured.
Alex Face’s ALIVE is taking place at Bangkok CityCity Gallery until February 19, 2017. For more information please visit www. bangkokcitycity.com.
Bid farewell to 2016 and ring in the New Year with Sirimongkol, an exhibition of works by celebrated illustrator Pomme Chan. The artist got her inspirations from the twelve signs of the Zodiac, which in the Chinese belief system are thought to have profound influences on us humans. The event is on from now until February 12, 2107 at the Jam Factory.
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The spiritual art exhibition is appropriately named “Sirimongkol,” which is Thai for good omens or positive energies believed to foretell the future. Pomme Chan’s masterpieces depict the twelve signs representing the constellations that form the imaginary belt of the heavens. To make it easy to appreciate, the exhibition comes in four parts.
The first part consists of illustrated works on canvas depicting the 12 animal signs of the Chinese Zodiac. Each sign comes accompanied by floral and botanical ornaments that speak to basic character, preferences, strengths, and weaknesses of individuals.
The second part is quite a striking collection. Using hand-drawn techniques on paper, the artist lets red and gold play a prominent role in her contemporary interpretation of the Zodiac signs. Sharp geometric shapes blends well with curves and brush strokes from Chinese calligraphy and other symbols of wealth, success, luck, and power.
The third part is three-dimensional showcasing a futuristic spirit house. The 3D shrine is crafted of clear acrylic sheets illuminated by LED lighting, a collaborative effort between Pomme Chan and interior designer Pruitsatorn Sakulthai. Finally, the fourth part comprises illustrated works printed on 10 porcelain plates and mounted on frames to focus on the meaning of “Sirimongkol” as we know it. May 2017 bring happiness and prosperity to you all.
Exhibition period: Now – February 12, 2017. Location: The Jam Factory
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/thejamfactorybangkok
About the artist
Pomme Chan is a Thai illustrator based in London. Her feminine style and detailed illustrated works are recognized worldwide. She has been working with various leading brands and magazines, including Marc Jacobs, Nike, Adidas, Volkswagens, and The New York Times. She is moving back in Thailand, where she has a studio of her own.
Ideas are all around. Designers and artists create their works from Chiang Mai heritage. The local wisdom was developed under the theme “New Originals”. Living ASEAN picks the must-see exhibitions arranged by locations for your convenience.
Along the walkway lined with graphic design exhibitions, Chiang Mai entrepreneurs open their booths to stage the shows here.
“Tawipob,” a collection of handcrafted metal-frame windows, created by Thai artist Torlarp Larpjaroensook“Mohhom,” clothes dyed indigo blue the traditional way, are re-created to showcase new uses by MOHHOMM.
TCDC Chiang Mai
The Center of Modern Design Knowledge in Chiang Mai, organizer of this event, puts on shows of many interesting projects featuring works by local and international designers and artisans. Beautiful designs, artworks, and crafts from Japan and Indonesia are on view here.
TRANSFER(S), a creative collaboration between Thai and French designers, features beautiful objects of handicraft made by local artisans and designed by Sam Baron, Charlotte Juillard, Nocc Studio, Thinkk Studio, and Rush PLEANSUK.“Desk Partition” by TRANSFER(S) / An exhibition by La Fete“Nanaa Mirror” by TRANSFER(S) / An exhibition by La Fete“The silk-wool plant collection,” an over-scale flower design, was crafted of Thai silk and Holland wool and designed by WANDSCHAPPEN in collaboration with JIM THOMPSON. / An exhibition by Here and There, Holland“The Big Face Box,” by Daily Portal Z, isn’t about just making a face big. It makes people around you smile and come away happy. / An exhibition by Knowledge Capital, Japan
Wooden radio sets by Magno / Exhibits by Rumah Sanur Creative Hub, IndonesiaBamboo coffee set and cutlery inspired by the breakfast tableware of the Bomari village / A show rich in exhibits by Rumah Sanur Creative Hub, Indonesia“Maikam” is a simple crutch handcrafted of bamboo, rattan and the inner tube of an automobile tire. This physiotherapy equipment is a product of local craftsmanship in Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai House of Photography
The Small Blue House behind the Lanna Folklife Museum becomes a venue for talented designers to showcase their great ideas, which art lovers shouldn’t miss.
Art and design objects made from recycled materials by Chiang Mai designer Pichakorn Chukeaw, from Tua Pen NotAn opportunity to explore production techniques used in making leather lifestyle products by Labrador x FabcafeA unique technique of mixing clays by Inclay Studio, a local ceramic studio in Chiang Mai“Ta-Ton-Yon: Keep it Slow, and Grow Better,” an exhibition by Design Plant, supported by COTTO
Rachamankha Hotel
Elegance never fades. The best of Chiang Mai Design Week culminates in “720 New Originals,” which consist of three shows at the iconic hotel in Chiang Mai.
“Every Woman Deserves Elegance”, an exclusive art to wear collection inspired by Princess Dara Rasamee, is made by SARRAN and supported by JIM THOMPSON.Turn waste silk thread into a beautiful bangle by SARRAN x JIM THOMPSONA bangle made using techniques in pearl inlaid furniture by SARRAN x DEESAWAT“Wear Our hearts,” an art to wear collection for charity by 17 guest designers“72 Seats,” the joy of the outdoor living co-created by SARRAN, JIM THOMPSON, and DEESAWAT
Thapae East
“Re-Design Anonymous Chair” features an exhibition depicting the thinking process that goes into making a traditional chair with curved wooden arms.
Virtual diagram of the thinking process of this project“Ele” by Doonyapol Srichan, of Re-Design Anonymous ChairA design called “Same, Same” by o-d-a, of Re-Design Anonymous Chair“Ping” by ease studio, of Re-Design Anonymous Chair
Gallery Seescape, Nimmanhemin Soi 17
“Gallery Seescape” puts on an art exhibition by Anon Pairot, a Thai designer who is curious about the goings-on in our society.
Come 2017 the exhibition “Souvenirs from Depressions” will be staged on an even bigger scale at the Art Stage in Singapore.
On view are bewitchingly beautiful works of art by a duo of Japanese artists, known as Paramodel. Showing a slice of their imaginative paradise, the pair plays with their artistic media in a way so fascinating that it is a class of its own. Based on a site-specific concept, the exhibition is so rare it seems paradoxical in the eye of the world.
One of the Paramodel duo, Yasuhiko Hayashi will stay in Bangkok for a month, during which he will demonstrate the three-dimensional space concept at the Thonglor Art Space using ordinary media, such as industrial pipes and “Plarails” or pieces of plastic railing.
Their signature materials; namely, pipes and plarails, are intended to create visual impacts, the first thing we look toward in any kind of artistic compositions. For some, Paramodel’s work may look like a construction site. For others, it may symbolize scenes of a paradoxical paradise, or visualizations of our complex social behaviors and relationships with one another. Some may find it interesting in the lead-up to for the Holiday Season. In the shortest word possible, it’s time you set your imagination free. Mark your calendar!
For more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1708509662800769/permalink/1717320201919715/
Landry Dunand is a French photographer, who has come to call Thailand home. Having traveled extensively, from France to Afghanistan to Thailand, he captured moments of people’s lives and local cultures through his film cameras. Dunand will be sharing his years of experience in two concurrent art exhibitions, which art lovers shouldn’t miss.
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The dual art exhibitions, “Silver Fermentation” and “Glided Blue,” will be held at the Neilson Hays library throughout this December. Interestingly, both of them are in monochromic tones.
“Glided Blue” is a collection of cyanotypes. The cyan blue photos are produced by placing a negative or an object directly on a coated paper, and let the sunlight through. The traditional photographic process can be dated back to the 18th century.
“Silver Fermentation” is a series of silver gelatin prints. Dunand developed all the photos himself in his home darkroom.
For Dunand, his main inspirations are people, the nature and its constant changing conditions. His photos are mostly of people in Thai local villages and their natural surroundings. “All of the works presented here are heavily influenced by my environment. I live in a village, where nature is extremely present. I can feel and see nature growing and dying around me. The weather and time makes it constantly evolve. So I get a lot of inspirations from nature and local life.”
“People are still living in nature here. Most of the aunties around me are cultivating their yards for daily needs. Every morning you can see people picking up Dok Anchan (butterfly peas), collecting coconut for the milk and meat, fishing for dinner, and growing various vegetables. I like the self-sustaining life, where what is around is enough to live. People can live much simpler, more peaceful life when they are not distracted by consumerist environments.”
The outcomes of interesting topics and unusual techniques culminated in these wonderful monochromic photos, which art lovers shouldn’t miss.
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