Art on the Farm | Bangkok Post: Art on the Farm

Jim Thompson Farm is holding the ''Art on Farm'' festival, showcasing artworks produced from natural and recycled materials by 11 artists at its premises in Nakhon Ratchasima from Dec 18 until Jan 9. The festival is open daily from 9am-5pm. The site-specific, eco-friendly art project is part of the Jim Thompson Farm Tour 2010 which focuses on agriculture, sericulture (silk production) and Isan architecture and culture. Piloted last year to an overwhelming response from more than 80,000 visitors, the project aims to create and develop artistic projects that will attract the public's attention and promote a better understanding of art. Using the unique environment, ecology and sericulture of Jim Thompson Farm, the project encourages creativity through an emphasis on workshops and other activities held by artists to stimulate imagination and creativity. On exhibition at various sites across the farm including the Cosmos Field, the Sunflower Field, Isan Village and the Silk Studios are sculptures, installations, sound installations, videos, photography and books which reflect multi-faceted perspectives on contemporary issues through diverse stories, from oral tradition to the mainstream media. The works are the result of the artist residency programme, which invited 11 artists to research and study the Isan way of life, culture and ecology systems at the Jim Thompson Farm and nearby factory. The artists spent more than six months on the project before starting to create their art, which reflects stories of Isan nature, culture and history. The participating artists include Pratchaya Phinthong, Montri Toemsombat, Disorn Doungdow, Kornkrit Jianpinidnan, Worathep Akkabootara, Santiphap Inkong-ngam, Imhathai Suwatthanasilp, Pitt Martliem, Sutthirat Supaparinya, Dr Nattinee Kanjanaporn and Dr Apiradee Kasemsuk. Also running as part of the ''Art on Farm'' project is Thailand's first-ever ''Isan Film Festival'', which offers a combination of educational and entertainment programmes. This one-of-a-kind festival aims to provide viewers with an in-depth understanding of Isan culture through selected films created from the viewpoints of both professional and amateur filmmakers and representing various levels of Isan society. The movies include Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives, a short film by Apichatpong Weerasethakul, winner of the jury prize at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival; Thong Pan, directed by Paijong Laisakul and scripted by Kamsing Srinok; Kru Ban Nok by Surasi Phatham; Kon Fai Bin by Chalerm Wongpim and Crying Tiger by Santi Taepanich. There are also short films and video works by familiar names such as Wichanon Somunjarn, Krissakorn Thintapthai, Jakrawal Nilthamrong, Pattanapong Chatukate and Boonsong Nakpoo, as well as students from Pak Thong Chai district and other Northeastern areas. Jim Thompson Farm is located in Takob sub-district, Pak Thong Chai district, Nakhon Ratchasima province. Entrance fee is 80 baht (50 baht for children). For more information, contact Jim Thompson Art Centre on 02-612-6741 or email artcenter@jimthompsonhouse.com. Review with pictures: http://www.bangkokpost.com/entertainment/art/211755/art-on-farm