Blowing Up the Tale of Ageing Society

Entering an ageing society doesn’t mean merely a superficial change in the proportional population of a society, but additionally produces new changes in thought, attitudes, values, customs, the economy, and lifestyles in all different age groups. Understanding is created in order to bridge gaps, reduce generational differences, and learn the needs of the elderly. It should result in a suitable design for society and balance among its constituencies (universal design, design for all) that provides economic opportunities for producers through organisations promoting intergenerational knowledge and works for equality among age groups while building values and acceptance of our common humanity. It should also raise awareness of change that can be brought into a future where all live together in friendship.

The exhibition “Blowing Up the Tale of an Ageing Society” brings together issues related to the role of the elderly in society in a four-dimensional framework: 1) Health and wellness; 2) Economy and innovation; 3) An equitable society; and 4) Physical environment and accessibility. It involves art works and creative media to stimulate thought and apply it to situations by interpreting multidimensional social meanings. Participating creators include  Phra Paisal Visalo, Kamonlak Sukchai, Karakot Arromdee, Jakrawal Nilthamrong, Chumpon Utayophat, Chart Korbjitti, Dansoung Sungvornveshapan, Thanit Jitnukul, Nopawan Sirivejkul, Phongsathorn Kanthawong, Sutin Tantipas, Supannikar Tiranaparin, and works selected by four curators: Chainarong Ariyaprasert, Veeraya Iam-cham, Onanong Glinsiri, and Suebsang Sangwachirapiban.

This exhibition is based on contemporary art design and creative media in the context of an ageing society. It offers integrated activities in response to different ways of looking at things, e.g., recognition, understanding, and coexistence of all people and groups, resting on a foundation of an ageing society in the context of Thailand. It explores attitudes toward the elderly, the importance and value of old people’s experience, the handing down of experience, skills, wisdom, histories and ways of life, old people’s labor, time, and physical conditions. Its purpose is to build understanding of the needs of the elderly, with relevant issues including 1) Art that gives meaning and creates understanding of differing periods of ageing; 2) Art that explores new age-appropriate and dignified roles for the elderly; 3) Art that points out the physical restrictions of old people; 4) A design for all people which helps facilitate everyone’s ability to make use of the exhibition hall. The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre uses contemporary art media to tell stories that connect people of all ages and communicate about changes in society, culture, and the economy. These are intended to stimulate and promote positive viewpoints, improving processes of thinking and participation, appreciating the value in oneself and others, the truths of life, and preparation for old age. The art works presented address these matters so that viewers may think about the meaning of a society that includes everyone at every level and creates a balance for society in the future.

‍

‍

Artists:
Kamonlak Sukchai
Jakrawal Nilthamrong
Chart Korbjitti
Chumpon Utayophat
Sutin Tantipas
Dansoung Sungvornveshapan
Nopawan Sirivejkul
Supannikar Tiranaparin
Karakot Arromdee
Thanit Jitnukul
Phra Paisal Visalo
Phongsathorn Kanthawong

‍