Exhibition highlights pollution

The prolific Taweesak wears numerous hats, that include among others, creative researcher and design consultant, but he also finds time to conduct exhibitions, performances, lectures and workshops domestically and internationally.

His work has been showcased in both private and public collections including a permanent collection at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, California, and Tacoma Art Museum in Tacoma, Washington.

As an artist, Taweesak has always been interested in environmental issues and is of the opinion that social, cultural, political, economic and environmental concerns are often intertwined, making it all the more difficult to find sustainable remedies.

He blames consumerism for today’s trash problems and is confident that as soon as communities realise it is in their hands to make a difference, and curb their consumption habits, the amount of waste will be reduced noticeably.

As a creative designer, Taweesak practises what he preaches by being conscious to minimise the amount of waste he himself generates through his work.

The veteran artist remarked that no garbage occurs naturally on Mother Earth, the waste comes from mismanaging the resources humans are given.

His vision is in line with the exhibition’s main theme which communicates the idea of a “circular economy”, an alternative to a traditional linear economy in which people retain resources in use for as long as can be, extract the maximum value from them while in use, then retrieve and regenerate products and materials at the end of each service life.

Taweesak’s artwork attempts to find a conclusion to addressing this dilemma, introducing a solution through his conceptual art performance and installations.

He said “SWAMPED” encourages critical thinking and questioning, making viewers scrutinise and question their own actions when it came to resolving the issue of garbage and environmental issues that arise from it. The artist also creates small jewellery and accessories from solid waste, which are available for purchase at the gallery’s shop.

“I believe wearable and functional items made from refuse can create dialogue outside of the art space and send it to a wider audience long after an exhibition ends,” he said.

For more information, call 086-511-2817 or email chayanit@warinlab.com.