As part of the “Why is the River Laughing?” project for Bangkok Design Week 2023, I created a short video that weaves together Bangkok’s historical and modern facets through its waterways. By blending drone footage with old maps, the piece aimed to reflect the city’s evolution from its aquatic roots to its current urban sprawl.
The event itself was an immersive dive into the intersection of urban histories, communities, and the integral role of waterways in Bangkok’s old town. It took place in the historic So Heng Tai Mansion—a 240-year-old Chinese mansion in Talat Noi that transformed into an interactive art space for the duration of the event. Amid this, the mansion’s pool became a symbolic canal around which the exhibition revolved, featuring everything from noodle cooking on an old wooden boat to dynamic performances and installations.
My involvement wasn’t limited to the video. I also managed the lighting during the performances. Over two weekends, our collective efforts came to life in a ‘durational’ performance stretching over four hours each evening, inviting the audience to experience the unfolding narrative at their leisure. This live, evolving studio environment saw dancers, performance artists, and musicians express the passage of time through their art, much like the meandering river that inspired our theme.
The experience was enlightening, challenging, and deeply enriching. It highlighted Bangkok’s fluid history and underscored the power of collaborative art to evoke thought and reflection on the city’s intrinsic connection to its waterways.
For more details about this project, visit our Facebook page and the BKKDW website.
