JAKARTA .- Exploring identity, memory, life, death, spirituality, and the human condition, Arunanondchai presents a wide range of his artistic practices through video works, paintings, and newly created site-specific installations in the exhibition Sing Dance Cry Breathe | as their world collides on to the screen.

Museum MACAN opened the major solo presentation of the works by the Thai-born, US and Bangkok-based artist Korakrit Arunanondchai for the first time in Indonesia. Titled Sing Dance Cry Breathe | as their world collides on to the screen, the exhibition brings together a wide range of Arunanondchai’s artistic practices, from his most renowned video installations, paintings, as well as newly created site-specific installations, all of which grapple with themes related to identity, memory, life, death, spirituality and the human conditions.

Arunanondchai’s artistic practice deals with personal experiences deeply rooted in the cultural context of his home country, Thailand, and other sites marked by a multitude of cultural and historical narratives, while also reflecting contemporary global issues. His fascination with spirituality and mythology seamlessly reflects his heritage, where these themes are deeply woven into the cultural fabric.

Museum visitors are able to delve into Arunanondchai’s exploration of the intersection of contemporary life and traditional beliefs. Through his artworks, the artist bridges the past and present, inviting viewers to contemplate universal themes of existence, identity, and the unseen forces that shape our world.

In the exhibition, Arunanondchai again delves into the evocative symbolism of the phoenix and fire, which are frequently recurring motifs in his art. The symbolism mirrors the artist’s exploration of creation and destruction. Reflecting the idea of eternal transformation, whether personal, cultural, or technological, Arunanondchai portrays the renewal and adaptation of cultural identity in the face of modernization and globalization.

Among the works that are included in the exhibition are the latest iteration of the artist’s painting installation and also two significant video installations:

–No history in a room filled with people with funny names 5 (2018). Produced in collaboration with the American filmmaker Alex Gjovic, and long-time collaborator Tosh Basco, the video draws inspiration from the “Ghost Cinema” ritual in Northeast Thailand, where monks project films onto temple walls for an audience of spirits.

–Songs for Living (2021). A work where Arunanondchai alludes to the concept of time beyond the human lifespan. The video shows the journey of spirits back into their bodily form, about to be reborn. The elements of fire, water, and the depiction of a burning Garuda appear on several occasions, representing the passages of death, decay and rebirth, inviting the audience for a collective reflection on the afterlife and life’s continuity.

Venus Lau, Director of Museum MACAN, said, “We are delighted to announce Sing Dance Cry Breathe | as their world collides onto the screen, the first major solo presentation of works by Korakrit Arunanondchai in Indonesia. This exhibition will present a diverse array of Arunanondchai’s artistic explorations, delving into themes around humanity and spirituality central to his work. This exhibition also showcases a significant collection of paintings, most of which have never been shown elsewhere. We look forward to inviting visitors to experience the profound and thought-provoking world of Korakrit Arunanondchai’s art at this landmark exhibition.”

Korakrit Arunanondchai: Sing Dance Cry Breathe | as their world collides on to the screen will be on view from November 30, 2024 until April 6, 2025.