Monkey Jack tree row sparks call for talk on communal art
Play
NEARLY a week after news that a century-old Monkey Jack tree would be cut down in Krabi province and turned into a sculpture by national artist Kamol Tassanachalee prompted an uproar on social media, art activists yesterday asked the city and the artist t
“We did not protest the art project. We would like the city and artist to be concerned about the process of making ‘communal art’, the environmental aspect and participation of the community,” artist and activist Chumpol Apisuk, who led the Independent Artists Network and Artists Preserve the Western Forest Group, told a discussion at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre.
The project called “Dying for Rebirth”, featuring works by Kamol and Suwan Mukura, is now on display in Krabi’s Muang district and is expected to become a landmark in Krabi. Aiming to promote the city as a tourist attraction, Krabi has been continuing art projects for four years.
“The group suggests the city build a museum and promote the city as a city of sustainable art,” Ekachai Luadsoongnerd said as he read aloud the group’s statement to over 20 art activists and the media.
The groups hope this controversy will become a case study for local artists to discuss and seriously practice how to create communal art that preserves nature and harmonise with the environment.
“Normally we hold a public hearing when we do projects that will affect the community. As this project did not affect the city, we did not hold a hearing. But, we are pleased to hold a public discussion on the issue,” Mayor Kiratisak Phukaoluan said.
Artist Kamol was not available to give an interview.
