BKK Unzine, a digital art magazine, is organising Thailand's first-ever BKK Comics Art Festival, which takes place from May 10 to 22, at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC).
A drawing by Art Jeeno. (Photos courtesy of BKK Comics Art Festival)
A joint venture between SEA Junction, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium in Thailand, Sakura Thailand and BKK Unzine, the BKK Comics Art Festival aims to shine a light on Thailand's rich comic book culture while giving fans the opportunity to interact with their favourite creators.
At the two-week event, visitors will have a chance to see displays of comic pieces from expert and emerging artists, art submitted to bbkunzine.com, as well as the revamped, comic-inspired design of the new Belgian passport. The passport's unique aesthetic features art from the classic Bandes Dessinées (European comics) such as Tintin, Blake And Mortimer, Marsupilami, Largo Winch and many more.
The festival then jumps into full swing with a two-day convention, gathering comic book creatives, publishers and scholars, on May 14 and 15, with an array of events and activities in Meeting Room 501 on the 5th Floor Hall of the BACC.
Bringing together Thailand's comic book community, the first day of the convention will feature a variety of activities that are sure to bring out the nascent artist in anyone. The second day will allow fans and enthusiasts to talk with professional artists and experts at their leisure.
Below is the programme of the convention:
Art by Tode Kosumphisai.
Day 1 (May 14)
11-11.20am: An introduction of guest artists, speakers, and sponsors, the future of BKK Unzine, and Petition for National Comics Day.
11.25am to 12.30pm: "A Presentation On The History Of Thai Comics", by Nicolas Verstappen, comics scholar at Chulalongkorn University and author of The Art Of Thai Comics.
12.45-1.40pm: Presentation on "The Origins Of American Comics" by Peter Maresca, editor/publisher at Sunday Press and a look at the first American newspaper comics (1895 to 1915) and their influence on the development of modern comics around the world.
1.45-2pm: Slowork Publishing unveils their documentary comic book project, made in collaboration with Southeast Asian comic artists.
2.05-2.20pm: Presentation on Kai3.
2.25-3.25pm: A roundtable discussion with Southeast Asian publishers and artists on the state of the industry.
3.45-4.45pm: Workshop on how to make a comic page by award-winning Thai artist Art Jeeno.
5-6pm: A live activity in which each panel of a comic book page is drawn by a different artist, resulting in a mind-bending finished product.
A creation by Sa-ard.
Day 2 (15 May)
Freeform Interaction: Attendees are invited to talk and interact with artists at their booths
Visit bkkunzine.com or scan the QR Code for registration.
