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[Lite Beer]

Art restores the peace
Kitchana Lersakvanitchakul
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Ratchaprasong is "Stronger Together" with inviting street art and sculptures

WITH A RICH history, the Ratchaprasong neighbourhood has long been one of Bangkok's most vibrant attractions. But, as with other landmarks around the world, that also makes it a target for violence. Five years ago, the area was hit by a deadly clash between military and anti-government protesters and an arson attack that burned part of the CentralWorld shopping mall. This year, the intersection was back in the news with the bombing at the Erawan Shrine.

"Wherever you have large numbers of tourists, like the Champs-Elysees in Paris or the Victory War Monument in London, you have the potential for a violent attack. Bangkok is no different. A European friend commented that it now happens so often that the people have learned to live together and protect themselves and their surroundings from such attacks," says Chai Srivikorn, president of the Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association.

"Why did those incidents take place at Ratchaprasong? In the past, most of our political protests were centred on Rajdamnoen Avenue and Sanam Luang," says Chai. "The problem is that such protests have become much more violent. Everybody has the right to freedom of opinion and expression, but at the same time it should never be at the cost of human rights. These political situations have turned innocent people into hostages of violence."

Just a month after the August 17 bombing of the Erawan Shrine killed 25 people and injured more than 100, happiness is being restored with "Stronger Together with Street Art at Ratchaprasong".

Running until October 18, the event has graffiti, sculptures, typography and paintings in a declaration of confidence in the safety of the area and a demonstration of readiness to welcome tourists back.

"Art is beauty that makes us feel happy after a time of sadness and also communicates subtle emotions. This 'Stronger Together' event is united in action and spirit. All these works of art can be an inspiration for other people to go on and do something themselves. We invite people to write on the large letters making up the 'Stronger Together' logo and share their feelings. It is a starting point for something new and good," says Chai.

Businesses have joined hands with "Stronger Together", among them the Erawan Group.

"I believe that it will reinforce the positive image of Ratchaprasong. The hotels and offices are ready to welcome visitors and I would like to invite everybody to tour Ratchaprasong with 'Stronger Together with Street Art'. I would also like everybody to show the power of creating art for unity on the big letters of 'Stronger Together' in front of Amarin Plaza," said Nattaporn Chevamongkol, Erawan Group's vice president of the office building and plaza management.

CentralWorld is also keen to support the event. "This festival will certainly animate Ratchaprasong tourism and perfectly complement the lifestyles of all visitors. We expect to have 30 million tourists coming here in the last quarter of this year," says Isareit Chirathivat, vice president of the shopping mall.

"Stronger Together" features art in 11 spots. Illustrator siblings Nualtong and Pattreeda Prasarnthong have come up with "Stronger with Pink" in front of Gaysorn, while Kittipong "M" Khamsat, a member of Buddha Bless, offers his large typographic installation "Fun and Family" at the corner of Gaysorn.

Another eye-catcher is the 12-metre graffiti wall in front of Amarin Plaza, created by leading Thai graffiti artists, including P7, Rukkit, Chip7, Nev3r, Zids and TRK.

Musician Oh Futon has fashioned a large bear sculpture in front of Amarin, and celebrity Sombatsara "Tue" Teerasaroch has set up "Blooming Flowers" on the Skywalk, just along from illustrator Somnuek Klangnok's "Strong Protection" and Chalit Nakpawan's "I Love Bangkok".

Other works include "Together We're Stronger" at the InterContinental Bangkok by the DSTGR Crew from Ductstore, "Keep Forward with Strength" by illustrator and character designer Tongyoz Boonplitpol in front of the Erawan Bangkok.

New York-based artist Jeremy Ville has a special work at Groove@CentralWorld while Spankystudio has posted graffiti at the Platinum Fashion Mall.

"My message is that we are Thai people who have joined together and helped build on a solid foundation," says Oh Futon. "I compare us to a perennial plant and so I have painted flowers in black and white from seven species of perennial plants, including dok lamduan [white cheesewood] on my big bear. I would like people to feel good about Ratchaprasong while looking at the bear. Art is more touchable than words; it can remind people of what happened as well. This slogan is rather sensitive; it can be positive and negative."

Sombatsara aims to get passersby involved with his "Blooming Flowers". "I would like everyone to interact with my work by putting colour on it," he says.

Kittipong shared the inspiration behind his art. "My work is called 'Fun and Family' and because I don't live with my parents, the letter fonts and characters are about my animals at home - my dogs, cats, pig, chicken, rabbit and turtle," he says.

Animals also figure into the painting by graffiti artist P7. "My work is a mixture of several characters from a dog, a cat to a bear, and uses colour to project feelings of enjoyment and happiness. Colours depict being jolly and happy, making Ratchaprasong lively again. Having so many works of art around Ratchaprasong helps Thais and foreigners feel good and safe, especially as the artists are working here. The slogan encourages Thai people to rise up and fight again."

Street artist Nev3r echoed those themes. "My work is a blend of teddy bear and joker and makes a comparison between innocence and violence. The teddy bear makes people feel warm along with the warm tones of the pastel colours. Art can make people's bad memories fade away while at the same time making Ratchaprasong more colourful. I think that Thai people have lived up to the concept of stronger together for a long time but it is undeniable that we are weak when we come up against a problem. Thai people are taught to instil unity in friendship. If we have generosity, sympathy, kindness and smiles, we can be stronger together again."

Rukkit expressed optimism. "My work is a Thai-style bear in red, white and blue. A bear is big and fluffy and gives off a feeling of warmth. It is easy to understand and to appreciate. Art always gives something to people; it relieves stress and is the most potent form of emotional communication. The slogan is like giving encouragement, and Thai people should be stronger. Only then will everything go well."

Chip7 chose another animal. "My work is supposed to be like a surrealistic, futuristic kind of elephant. The elephant is a symbol of Thailand and it's moving into the future with good energy and good technology. Art can be great therapy for people if they do it themselves, even if they are not professional artists. I guess that to heal the world, we have to first heal ourselves and go on to be better people." Chip7 says. "I think it's a great project to show people that Thailand is still very beautiful and great for tourism. Bangkok is like no other city in the world so I think it's great to have events like this and get the artists' community involved."

UNITY IN HASHTAGS

- "Stronger Together with Street Art at Ratchaprasong" runs until October 18.

- Passersby are encouraged to take pictures of themselves with the art and share the photos in social media with the hashtag #StrongerTogetherBKK.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/life/Art-restores-the-peace-30269080.html

-- The Nation 2015-09-19

[Lupatria]

If it gets ugly- paint it over.

[doremifasol]

........................happiness is being restored ............................

Right.........tell that to the families of those killed or seriously injured.............

Appreciated the good intention though