IOTA is off to Bangkok – Jude, Holly and I will see you at Atta gallery on the 8th of September!!
Lost in Translation
A Group Exhibition by 18 Artists from the Indian Ocean Region
Curated by by Haisang Javanalikhikara and Atty Tantivit
29 August – 20 October 2024
Opening Reception on 8 September 2024; 5-8pm
ATTA Gallery is pleased to invite you to the opening talk and reception of Lost in Translation by 18 artists from the Indian Ocean region, curated by Haisang Javanalikhikara and Atty Tantivit, on Sunday 8 September 2024 between 5-8pm. This is a collateral exhibition of the Indian Ocean Craft Triennial – IOTA24 which takes place in Perth, Australia and will run till 20 October 2024.
The opening event will start off at 5pm with a talk titled “Currents of Craft: Craft Practice in Western Australia in the Indian Ocean Context” by Jude van der Merwe (Founding Partner, Co-curator IOTA21-24), Melissa Cameron (Jewelry Artist) and Holly O’Meehan (Ceramic Artist) from Perth, Australia, moderated by Haisang Javanalikhikara.
About the Exhibition
The contemporaneity in understanding craftsmanship in art is open-ended, with no single definitive explanation. It extends beyond questions of whether a piece qualifies as art or craft, recognising that interpretation is implicitly subjective and obsolete at this point. Instead of drawing distinctions, Lost in Translation encourages an exploration of the diverse interpretations of ‘crafty’ artworks. This perspective invites appreciation for the subtle blend of skill, creativity, and tradition that characterises these pieces, transcending conventional categorisations and promoting a broader comprehension of artistic expression.
This exhibition considers such concepts through the works of 18 artists from the Indian Ocean region, ranging from emerging to internationally established artists. The region’s rich history of cultural exchanges as a hub for trade routes has led to a distinctive blend of traditions from Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania – which is reflected in this exhibition. Artworks shown here explicate the cultural identity and narratives of the region. As part of the ‘Indian Ocean Craft Triennial – IOTA24,’ this exhibition at ATTA Gallery in Bangkok highlights the thriving of contemporary art with craftsmanship, cultivating a deeper understanding of cultural narratives and the integrating cross-cultural translation.
Lost in Translation invites its audience to engage their own interests in exploration and interpretation with works that stimulate ‘translation’ in three ways: appropriation of visuals in craft, mixing materials into new interpretations, and viewing craft as a universal language. Through these themes, the exhibition explores the flexibility between art, craft, and cultural understanding, highlighting the subtle dialogues that emerge from these artworks.
Artists:
Juma Adi (ID), Sharareh Aghaei (IR), Genevieve Ang (SG), Vesal Bahmani (IR), Melissa Cameron (AU), Faelerie (ID), Jason Lim (SG), Soe Yu Nwe (MM), Holly O’Meehan (AU), Widi Pangestu (ID), Deena Pindoria (IN), Pinaree Sanpitak (TH), Santi Seedarach (TH), Fa Wuthigrai Siriphon (TH), Rudee Tancharoen (TH), Minh-Nhật Tôn-Thất (VN), Samantha Vincent (ZA), Inson Wongsam (TH)
(text by Atta Gallery and Haisang Javanalikhikara)
With thanks to the support from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries in Western Australia.