Concepto curatorial

Butterflies Frolicking on the Mud: Engendering Sensible Capital, the theme for Thailand Biennale, Korat 2021 is a proposal and a practice, primarily focusing on the ecologies specific to this region. These 'ecologies' do not refer only to natural environments: they also encompass an entire array of elements that surround us. Instead of a critique of current global capitalism, the proper practical role of art today ought to create a new 'sensible' capital focusing on a system of engendering, by leveraging its open, transversal nature.

This idea of the new capital is inspired by the theory of 'social common capital' by Dr. Hirofumi Uzawa (mathematical economist). It enriches people's lives in both material and spiritual terms. In order to maintain social stability, it has recourse to three forms of capital: natural environment, social infrastructure, and institutional capital. These types of capital must be regulated and facilitated by professional experts and there needs to be a sense of fiduciary responsibility that respects the interests of the trustees.

The second Thailand Biennale seeks to discover the latent potential and value of various sites of 'institutional capital,' including hospitals, universities, temples, museums, zoos, parks, and communities of ceramic or silk production, in line with this idea of a single, fiduciary trust. It is an attempt to implement a practice that will visualize and enhance this process, in collaboration with artists, architects, scientists, anthropologists, and other domain experts.

Past spring, there was a massive outbreak of beautiful butterflies with white and yellow-green wings because COVID-19 has reduced the movement of people and restored nature. The butterflies were happily fluttering around in the mud. It is well known that butterflies paddle on the mud to detoxify and rehydrate. Similarly, we are trying to figure out what is going on around us now and what we can do in the uncertain future. The title Butterflies Frolicking on the Mud expresses our miserable but courageous state. It indicates the 'capital' of hope that emerges from the midst of anxiety and uncertainty.

(De informaciones de prensa)