Jim Thompson Art Center will present an exhibition, accompanied by a string of performances, as part of the Unfolding Kafka Festival 2024, starting from Friday to Nov 14. Head To Head is a VDO installation in which Belgian actor and artist Herwig Ilegems tries to make close contact with animals -- a rooster, a peacock, a goat, an ox, a donkey, an alpaca, an owl and a water buffalo. In the end they come head to head.
The actor looks the animal in the eye, not from a sense of superiority, but from a perspective of equality. The opening day will also feature Fon Farang, a dance and music performance by Juan Kruz Diaz de Garaio Esnaola, Arthit Khamhongsa and Sombat Simla at 7pm. The show will repeat on Saturday, also at 7pm.
It will be followed by Mo[ram]lam Fashion Show directed by Jitti Chompee, at 8.30pm. The performance reimagines the catwalk as the setting for a dynamic encounter between molam, performance art and timeless fashion design.
Set to a minimalist score performed by Mahasarakham University's molam ensemble, Jitti's choreography, showcasing movements that range from hypnotic to explosive, brings new life to vintage designer pieces from the Jim Thompson archive. Made from rare textiles coveted by renowned designers and fashion houses, the garments are historical artefacts that enshrine artisanal Thai weaving traditions and Jim Thompson's legacy of innovating Thai silk. There will be two more shows on Nov 9 -- The Improper Point A/S/V, a 40-minute dance and visual pe.
