Atinuj “Atty” Tantivit, the founder of ATTA Gallery, is the main organiser of Silom/Charoen Krung Gallery Hopping Night, which will be held this evening (Apr 24), from 5-11pm. Visitors can check out 12 participating art galleries and spaces, where exhibitions and special activities will be held. Atty, who is also a jewellery artist, speaks with Guru about the creative night. For a map, suggested routes and a list of planned activities, visit the event’s page at fb.com/galleryhoppingbkk.
How did the idea for a gallery hopping night come about?
I was introduced to the concept of gallery hopping when I was a grad student in Miami, in 1999. It was a chance for me to see artwork and exhibitions in a less formal atmosphere than exhibition openings. I moved back to Bangkok in 2006 and felt like a newbie in town, looking for artsy things to do but there were none aside from exhibition openings. Two years ago, the French Embassy started "Galleries Night" as part of its annual La Fete celebration. The event included galleries in several areas, and as we have no designated art district, people had to travel from Sukhumvit to Ari to Charoen Krung in one night. The idea was good, but logistically it was less so. After getting to know more gallerists in town, I decided to approach those in the Silom and Charoen Krung area to see if they would be interested in participating in a gallery hopping night. They welcomed the idea, and we had our first event in December last year.
WHAT GOAL DO YOU HAVE FOR THE EVENT?
Our primary goal is to allow people to "add" art to their lifestyle and realise that art is not so alien. The more people become exposed to art, the more comfortable and open-minded they will be toward it. Ultimately, they will be more willing to spend money on art. Participating galleries are showing different types of art so they complement each other. This is unique to the galleries in our area — with local and international artists, showing work from modern and fine to contemporary installation and wearable art.
WHAT CAN PEOPLE EXPECT FROM THIS THIRD GALLERY HOPPING NIGHT?
Aside from a wide range of exhibitions, there will be a few exhibition openings [tonight]. Serindia Gallery at OP Garden will have the new "Landscape" photo series by Thai artist Piyatat Hemmatat. If you are looking for something more interactive, ATTA Gallery has "TOH: Experiencing a Workspace", which invites people to join three different work spaces. The night will end with a live indie music session at Jam Cafe. People can expect to see new things, learn new things and to break away from the monotonous routine of the city lifestyle. And hopefully they will take away the message that art can be a part of their lifestyles, as well.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT OTHER EMERGING ART DISTRICTS IN BANGKOK?
There's a community of artists and alternative art spaces along the Chao Phraya River, in the Klong San area, especially with Jam Factory recently opening. We are currently planning on working with the Klong San group to create a wider art district along the river. The Phra Khanong area pops up in my head as an alternative local art scene. Oh, and there's a strip called Nana Road in Chinatown that is quite interesting art-wise, as well.
WHY IS HAVING AN ART DISTRICT IMPORTANT?
I have so many friends and clients coming into town hoping to spend time looking at art. If galleries are scattered across the city, it's difficult for them to see much in a short period of time. Having an art district with like-minded businesses or people around makes it easier to forge creative collaborations and work together to bring more people to the city.
WHAT ARE YOUR GROUP'S LONG-TERM PLANS?
We will keep curating good exhibitions and art-related events in our area. We want to keep the art scene in the area alive without sacrificing the quality of the experience offered to those joining our events. With ongoing collaboration with other art and hospitality communities along the river, we hope to bring a variety of quality art and lifestyles back to the area.
