The project I wish to develop during my stay in Thailand builds on themes and research explored throughout various series in my sculptural and image-based work.
I had the opportunity to stay in Thailand for six months at the beginning of the pandemic, and was already struck by its intensely contrasting character. That time allowed me to fully grasp a country where ultra-modernity often intersects and at times clashes with traditional, rural ways of life.
Much of my work draws from the idea of a highly hierarchical world into which uninvited, anachronistic, and empirical elements insert themselves. During this residency, I aim to focus on two core areas: architecture specifically in Bangkok and organic forms (both animal and vegetal), to explore relationships of connection, opposition, or dialogue between them.
I would like to develop a sculptural vocabulary based on local plants, fruits, and endemic fauna, and to highlight them through a scenographic system or staged display using objects or architectural forms that complete or interact with these natural elements.
The goal of this residency, and my time in Bangkok, is to reflect on the cohabitation of the living world with the human-made environment, and to express this reflection through an exhibition at TARS Gallery, in the form of sculptures and drawings.
I plan to work with lighter techniques such as watercolor on paper, contrasting with more complex sculptural processes like bronze or resin, while collaborating closely with object makers and artisans in the Bangkok region (wood, steel, rattan, etc.). The idea is to establish meaningful and enriching collaborations with local professionals, adding conceptual and aesthetic depth to the project.
Bangkok and Thailand seem particularly well suited for this project, as my work often begins with a specific place (USA, Vietnam, the Netherlands, etc.). The relationship between my own culture and the ones I encounter and immerse myself in often gives rise to complex outcomes, ones that allow me to rethink my practice and artistic stance, while also diving deeper into the subjects I explore and sharing them with others.