Apichatpong Weerasethakul: Replicas
Scai the Bathhouse will host Thai filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul's first exhibition in Japan from 9 - 26 January 2008.
Apichatpong, 37, has produced several feature films, well over twenty short films and, in addition to receiving prizes at the Cannes Film Festival in both 2003 and 2004, his work has been selected for prizes at the Venice Film Festival, the Jeonju International Film Festival, Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival, and Tokyo Filmex. Although this is his first solo exhibition in Japan, his work has attracted a great deal of acclaim throughout Asia, Europe and America.
Apichatpong originally studied architecture in Thailand, but turned to filmmaking after studying fine arts and filmmaking in Chicago, producing a number of film and video shorts in America. Most of his films, however, are set in his native Thailand, often starring non-professional actors and touching on themes such as Western perceptions of Thailand and Asia, nature, sexuality and dreams. His unconventional approach to filmmaking includes improvisation in both the dialogue and structure of the films, utilising non-linear timelines and placing titles and/or credits at unusual places throughout his films. He established his studio company, Kick The Machine, in Thailand in 1999, through which he promotes other independent filmmakers and experimental film works.
This exhibition in Japan features his video installation 'Unknown Forces', some photographs and sketches, and as the Scai the Bathhouse website points out, 'is an excellent opportunity to see Unknown Forces and to discover more about Apichatpong Weerasethakul.' +
- RK
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