Get Empowered In 'A Room Full Of Women' At ATT 19

As a tribute to International Women’s Month, Mook Attakanwong, the creative director and curator of ATT 19, has gathered 12 female artists to present their works together at a month-long exhibition known as A Room Full of Women. Thailand with its Buddhist faith and relaxed outlook on life does not make it a ground free of sexism. Weaving the narrative from 12 different points of views, the exhibition pinpoints issues of gender and equality often overlooked.  

Each time a women stands up for herself without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women

— Maya Angelou

Symbiosis by Note Panyanggool (Photo: Courtesy of Panrapee Pukkajiam)

The artworks all made by women, the exhibition welcomes all genders and ages to bear witness. Apart from the displays of art, there are special talks and performances led by renown figures including Note Panyanggool and DragonFly360’s Pranapda Phrornprapha. Just to give you a hint of what’s in store, here are five highlights from the show not to miss:

Ecofeminism (Photo: Courtesy of Panrapee Pukkajiam)

In Ecofeminism, Wishulada’s Panthanuwong diverges from the traditional understanding of the word nature, shifting the paradigm to materials developed by human, in order to portray the mystique and power of women. Using materials we created, used and then discarded—such as plastic straws and bottle caps—Wishulada symbolises beauty and a unique sensuality in her sculpture while also presenting women’s strength and resilience.

Jesuiseda (Photo: Courtesy of Panrapee Pukkajiam)

Ordination is deemed to be the keystone for Buddhists in their spiritual journey. However, in Thailand, the ritual to become a monk is reserved only for men. As a Buddhist transwoman, Phanlert Sriprom or Eda, is hence excluded from the path. The artist has reimagined her own ordination with a robe made of collected handkerchief and empty amulet cases. In the uniform, she documents her spiritual path and challenges the foundations of gendered religious belief.

Luna (Photo: Courtesy of Panrapee Pukkajiam) Luna (Photo: Courtesy of Panrapee Pukkajiam)

Truly a piece of feminine nature, Luna is a part of a suite of works by Ploenchan Vinyaratn titled Womb, a conversation between the artist and her unborn triplets seven years ago. Inspired by the ultrasounds of her three boys, Ploenchan orMook interprets the forms as abstract representations. Incorporating woven and embroidery techniques, three-dimensional effect is achieved by wiring and cushioning.  

Photo: Courtesy of Panrapee Pukkajiam

Panrapee Pukkajiam is the owner of a garment manufacturer specialising in screen printing and digital printing with different materials. For this installation, Panrapee has compiled images and printed them onto fabric. What many may not know is the amount of pollution the process actually creates and how it affects communities. Through the showcase, Panrapee is bringing the issue up to the table for the best resolution.

The Scale III (Photo: Courtesy of Panrapee Pukkajiam)

An artist known for her strong messages about the disenfranchised, Kawita Vatanajyankur is once again making a point about labour exploitation and the female body with her video piece, The Scale III.  A piece from her Splashed series, the artist pushes her endurance to its limits, expounding the issue in literal and symbolic fashion.

Experience the works of all 12 female artists at ATT 19 today. The exhibition will be on display until April 4, 2020. Please refer to the Facebook page to keep up with any schedule changes due to the COVID-19 outbreak.