The film Where Do We Go From Here? by Piyarat Piyapongwiwat raises questions about the problems of capitalism.
Incorporating footage from many sources such as news reports, interviews, documentaries as well as her own footage, the movie allows viewers to see how production in a capitalist world impacts various aspects of people's lives and creates social issues such as such as migrant workers, child labour, economic inequality, marine pollution, extinction of flowers, and global environmental hazards.
"Most of my work in the past was about labour issues," she said. "However, my exhibition in 2019 titled 'Particle' depicted blasting operations in mines in Cambodia run by a joint venture of local and overseas companies. The operation caused damage to the mountains and affected the lives of villagers. These are impacts of capitalism. I felt that many artists have an interest in ecological and environmental issues, however, they focus on raising awareness of individuals, which does not help. In the film, an interviewee said one cruise ship produced more carbon dioxide than 376 million cars combined. Thus, we must change the capitalist method of production which is a major cause of environmental problems. We must talk about the whole system, not only individuals."
Where Do We Go From Here? is part of Piyarat's latest exhibition of the same name, which is now on display by appointment at Gallery VER. The exhibition features a video display as well as paintings and printmaking.
An untitled oil on canvas painting.
Where Do We Go From Here? was produced during Covid-19, so Piyarat could not go out and interview people. She spent much of her time reading news from around the world on the internet, reading books, and collecting footage before rearranging and editing it for the movie. From her research, Piyarat discovered that the capitalist method of production impacts the ecosystem and has caused some plants to go extinct.
"In the past 250 years, almost 600 plants have become extinct due to industrial production and climate change. In addition to the movie, there are two metal printmaking artworks featuring extinct plants such as the Green Picher Plant, Kokia Cookei and Chilean Blue Crocus. In the same area, there is a drawing of Lichens, a combination of fungus and an alga. The Lichens grow in many areas but Lichens are sensitive to polluted areas. In Thailand, Lichens can be founded in Khao Yai National Park. I used Lichens to symbolise how air, water, plant and living creatures are connected to one another, she said.
Piyarat's movies are made after solid research and interviews with people who have been affected by the issues she studies. In 2017, while producing the video, Fabric, she interviewed garment workers in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar about difficulties and conditions of the job as well as the unfair wage. Her 2016 video, Mute Conversations, was based on her interviews with Thais who have migrated to Yokohama, reflecting their alienation in Japan. Piyarat said she has been interested in labour issues ever since she was a producer in an advertising company where she experienced unfair treatment.
Piyarat Piyapongwiwat at 'Where Do We Go From Here?' Somchai Poomlard
"As a producer, I saw the budget of advertising productions and knew how much each crew received. I understood that employees in different fields would not receive the same payment. However, on the movie sets, I saw separate restrooms and eating areas for labourers. I felt it was unfair and wanted to speak up about it. When I spoke to garment workers and saw where they lived, it was like a different world, so I wanted to make a video about it," explained Piyarat.
Back in 2013, Piyarat also held the exhibition "Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos Or Community?", which was displayed at the Angkrit Gallery in Chiang Rai.
"Since 'Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos Or Community?' was exhibited in Chiang Rai, the curator suggested that I find an issue related to the location. I started researching and discovered that several governments in Thailand have tried to develop three districts in Chiang Rai to become a special economic zone, using the industrial zone in Mae Sot district in Tak as its model. Activists, academicians and villagers in Mae Sot tried to fight against the industrial zone but were not successful due to centralisation. Capital groups of the industrial zone also had connections with the government. Even though 'Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?' was created eight years ago, I still have this question in my mind."
An untitled oil on canvas painting.
Her previous works led to the creation of "Where Do We Go From Here?", which combined issues of the last decade and the message she wants to share.
The movie ends with permafrost, a frozen layer on the earth which is melting due to global warming, and this can be dangerous because deadly pathogens that were frozen for years can return again. The artist explained that the idea of permafrost came from the news.
"According to news from Siberia, 2,500 reindeers died and nine people were infected with bacteria. It even led to the death of a 12-year-old boy later. The authorities found permafrost had melted due to high temperatures in the summer and as a result, the body of a frozen reindeer, which was infected with anthrax over 75 years ago, thawed and started spreading the bacteria. The movie begins with the coronavirus disease, so I connected it by ending with anthrax, leaving the question of 'where do we go from here?' at the end," she said.
The artist believes that art can change the world but it needs other factors to support and spread messages.
A scene of migrant workers.
"I believe in the power of art and that's why I am still working on it. However, it takes time and other factors to create change. For this exhibition, I had an academic write descriptions for the brochures and planned to invite specialists in different fields to discuss about related issues in order to extend the reach of the message to people and help them understand," said Piyarat.
"Where Do We Go From Here?" runs at Gallery VER on Narathiwat Ratchanakharin 22, until June 26. Due to the Covid-19 situation, the exhibition is open by appointment only. To watch the movie online, visit facebook.com/galleryver for the link and password.
