Landing in Utopia
Journalism Photographic Group Exhibition
Curated by Charinthorn Rachurutchata & Sakchai Lalit
22 April - 25 June 2023
“The nameless philosopher and comedian gazed upon the great clouds ablaze above Ayothaya. In times like these, he yearned to know the future of the land he served, whether it would persevere into the age of the illustrious Sri Ariya civilization. With eyes closed, he guided his mind beyond the confines of his corporeal form, embarking on a journey through the cosmos to the very door of the universe, Navigating unanticipated dimensions and time, his mind reveled in the captivating image of fireworks, kindled as an offering to Lord Buddha. The dazzling radiance surpassed any nighttime festival he had ever witnessed. In this moment, he felt certain he had arrived at the revered Sri Ariya civilization. Assured, he continued his journey. And thus, these are the visions his mind beheld…”
Welcome to Utopia, an ideal perfect world that holds only goodness and justice.
In the realm of literary reverie, Thomas More weaves a tale of his own imaginative ideal society, recounting a serendipitous encounter between himself and a traveler from the unattainable island of Utopia. This traveler unveils a tale of an idyllic haven free from inequality and violence. Through an alluring interplay of paradoxical words, Utopia embodies a world nestled between the absurdity of an unreachable 'no-place' and the ideal of a harmonious 'good-place'.
"Landing in Utopia" weaves together the very diverse visions of 22 talented Thai photojournalists who have captured the complexities and nuances of their country's pursuit of an ideal society. This science fiction visual story recounts the tale of ordinary people striving towards a better tomorrow amid the contemporary struggles of politics and economy within Thailand's own Utopia.
Step into the world of "Landing in Utopia."
We invite you to embark on a visual journey through the surreal landscapes of a Thai Utopia, where the absurd and the ideal converge.
List of Journalist
Amphol Thongmueangluang
Athit Perawongmetha
Atiwat Silpamethanont
Chin Chomdee
Kan Sangthong
James Willson
Non Meewattananon
Peerapon Boonyakiat
Putipong Thanyapant
Rachanon Intharaksa
Sawita Poonsatien
Seksan Rochanametakul
Somsak Natthong
Sophon Susena
Suppanatt Rattanathanaprasan
Tanakit Kitsanayunyong
Tanat Chayaphattharitthee
Tawan Pongphat
Taweechai Chantawong
Vichan Poti
Wissarut Verasopon
About the Curator
Charinthorn Rachurutchata (B.1982, Thailand)
A photography based visual artist who is interested in gender inequality, religious, social and political issues. She is based in Bangkok, Thailand.
Throughout her career, the fundamental question of the necessity of art has underpinned Rachurutchata's work, resulting in images that are thought provoking and give a strong critical view to her audiences. She aims to raise awareness and make positive change to the social and cultural issues that are often overlooked and unheard.
Rachurutchata has exhibited her work worldwide. Since 2013, she has participated in many artist in residence programs and was selected for the International Creator Residency Program 2020 at Tokyo Arts and space in Japan, The Pier2 Artist In Residency Program 2018 at The Pier2 Art Center in Taiwan, Phantasmagoria Supported Residency Program 2016 at Bogong Centre of Sound Culture in Australia, Quebec-Bangkok Artists Exchange Program 2016 at VU Photo in Canada and Fukuoka Asian Art Museum Artist in Residence Program 2013 at Fukuoka Asian Art Museum in Japan.
In 2021, she won the Grant for Women Photographers "Isolated communities: New Narratives, New Ways of Being and Living", funded by The Prince Claus Fund Partnership Network Grant program.
_
Sakchai Lalit
Sakchai Lalit, who has a long experience in the photojournalist industry. By starting work at the Associate Press or AP for more than 30 years, he has been a photojournalist who has been involved in many important historical events in Thailand, including the Black May, each revolution since 1992. Including events in neighboring countries as well, such as the cyclone in Burma in the era before the country opened. revolution in Cambodia, etc.
