“SURVIVAL SPHERE”a solo exhibition by
Wanlop Hansunthai
Curated by Jirarat Chaiyarach
Collaborators: Surasit Mankhong, b. 1989, Udonthani (TH), (Painted Ceramic Works, Paintings) and Wilawan Wiangthong, b.1990, Loei (TH), (Performance, Video, Paintings)
05 October – 16 November 2024
Opening: Saturday 05 October,6 pm
at HEAD HIGH Second Floor, a non-profit Art Space in Chiang Mai
Head High Second Floor is pleased to present “SURVIVAL SPHERE” – a solo exhibition by Wanlop Hansunthai. Wanlop Hansunthai uses symbols in his new works, exploring the origins of human existence and the growth and expansion of tribalism from long ago. Many artworks have been created around the world that reflect the changes in the social structures of a society, including the various cultural foundations, and which have been influenced by the perspectives, experiences and interests of those concerned in depicting the relationship between humans, nature and the environment.
The exhibition “SURVIVAL SPHERE” is the result of a imaginative interplay of beliefs, values and even mythology, including the pessimistic but unfortunately true ideas of the English philosopher Thomas Hobbes (1588 – 1679). “Man is man’s wolf.” Hobbes believed that humans are naturally selfish and ambitious and, like a wolf, fights for his own survival by any means necessary. People are suspicious and do not trust each other, and for the sake of security they have the right to protect themselves from others. It seems only natural that these traits have their roots deep in the human psyche.
The current world situation, in which there are more armed conflicts than ever before, man-made misery and hunger, people selfishly ignoring or even denying climate change, the hostile mood against refugees worldwide, all seem to confirm Hobbes’ thesis.
The artist wants to stimulate a discourse about human behaviour and its different perceptions. The viewer is invited to enter into a dialogue and, if they do, perhaps their curiosity will be aroused to engage with different constructs of belief and philosophy.
The paintings, sculptures, mixed media and ceramic works on display are wonderfully complemented by a live performance and round off the artist’s narrative of the interplay between humans, environment and history.
Biography
WANLOP HANSUNTHAI
b.1978, works and lives in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Wanlop Hansunthai is a contemporary Thai artist who graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Chiang Mai University. He focuses on the relationship between human nature through observing everyday life. Due to his refusal to stick to a single style, Wallop creates works using various media such as painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, and installation art. These techniques are employed in innovative ways to explore and reflect certain truths and perspectives within social currents.
In mid-2023, Wanlop began creating a new series of works continuously, using locally sourced materials combined with his self-invented techniques. This resulted in his latest work titled “Survival Sphere”. He created paintings that resemble groups of humans or multi-limbed animals that seem unreal and crafted experimental sculptures as a medium to present art stories that often change with space and time. These works also narrate various aspects of beliefs from the past to the present, leading to collaborative work between two emerging Isan artists with unique identities in the fields of sculpture and live performance art.
Wanlop has participated in exhibitions both domestically and internationally. For example, in 2024, he took part in the “Kenduri Seni Patani Art Festival 2024” in Pattani; “Selected works by Numthong” in Bangkok; “TEDxChiangMai 2024: What if …?” at the Chiang Mai Cultural Center. In 2023, he participated in “Corn 2021” at the French Embassy, Résidence de France, Thailand; “LABORATORY” at Studio 88 Artist Residency in Chiang Mai; “Face to Face” at MAIELIE in Khon Kaen; and HAUS at Head High Second Floor in Chiang Mai. In 2022, his works were featured in “Face to Face: A Recollection Through Portraits from MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum” in Chiang Mai; “Against the Wall: Wall – Thought” at Numthong Art Space; “handbook of sky ladder (temporary collective)” in Taiwan; and “THE PRESENCE OF SILENCE” at Seescape Gallery. In 2021, he was part of “Art For Air” at the Lanna Folklife Museum in Chiang Mai; “CLOUDS” at The Golden Triangle Hang Dong in Chiang Mai; and the “Shinano Primitive Sense Art Festival 2021 – The Fleeting Moment of Water” in Japan. In 2020, his exhibitions included “Mass Art Project (MAP)” at Gallery VER in Bangkok; “Shine Landscape 2020 Award” at M.A.D.S. Milano in Italy; “The rice – field crab series” in Bangkok; and “Retrospective” at Lhong 1919 in Bangkok. In 2019, he showcased “Banana & Me” at the MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum; “CELL NUTURE” at The Golden Triangle Hang Dong in Chiang Mai and The Golden Triangle in Chicago, USA; and “GLOOMY MEMOIR” at York By Dumbo in Bangkok. Wanlop continues to work as an independent artist, persistently critiquing and reflecting on social, cultural, political, and environmental issues.
Written by Jirarat Chaiyarach
For more information, please contact:
Head High Second Floor (New Address)
28/1 Singharat Rd. T.Si Phum A.Muang, Old Town, Mueang, Chiang Mai 50200
+66 61 686 0660 hello@head-high-second-floor.com www.head-high-second-floor.com
Open by appointment, Best via FB Messenger (Reinhard Kressner)
Or
TQPR Thailand, Tom Van Blarcom, tom@tqpr.com or Nuie Titichayapon, nuie@tqpr.com +662 260 5820