VS Gallery is proud to present “Once Upon a Time at Sanamluang,” an art exhibition by Preecha Raksorn which invites audiences to consider how the use of educational textbooks instills memories and values in the country's citizens. Preecha Raksorn’s work in this exhibition, opening 20 April at VS Gallery, was inspired by the movie “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” by Quentin Tarantino. In that film, based on the actual murder of a Hollywood actor in the 1960’s, the ending is reimagined by Tarantino so that the victim survives while the murderers die instead. Similarly, in this new exhibition the artist presents the bloodshed incident on October 6, 1976 using a historic picture of The Chair Man (photographed by Neal Ulevich) but adapts the content to reach new conclusions.
This artistic approach is imagined through both Preecha’s paintings and through accompanying textbook supplemental materials, including illustrated books and coloring books for children. Weeks before the opening of “Once Upon a Time at Sanamluang” these supplemental items were sent to participant groups of different ages, who were either aware or unaware of the events of 6 October 1976. The participants were invited to read the materials, paint the coloring books, and provide their opinions on the content they had viewed. Their responses, and the items they read and modified, are displayed, and constitute primary elements of Preecha’s exhibit. Moreover, the VS gallery space is transformed into a school auditorium for “Once Upon a Time at Sanamluang” including a stage platform used for giving formal speeches, and exhibit boards featuring artifacts from educational institutions that have been left over since the Cold War propaganda era.
“Once Upon a Time at Sanamluang” by Preecha Raksorn will exhibit at VS Gallery from April 20 until June 23.
information provided by event organizer
