Fireworks Illuminate the Uncertain Realm of Memory, Transcending Boundaries

Apichatpong Weerasethakul was born in Bangkok in 1970. He studied architecture at Khon Kaen University in Thailand before moving to the United States. After earning a master's degree in Visual Arts (Film) from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he has exhibited his work as an artist at international art exhibitions. Meanwhile, he made his directorial debut in 2000 and has achieved wide recognition, with his sixth film, "Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives," winning the Palme d'Or, the highest prize at the Cannes Film Festival, in 2010.

This exhibition, featuring new works by Apichatpong Weerasethakul, who is currently based in Chiang Mai, primarily showcases pieces that focus on the relationship between light and memory, referencing the history and folklore of his native northeastern Thailand.

The first work in the project, "FIREWORKS (ARCHIVES)" (2014), was filmed at the Sala Keoku temple in Nong Khai, a border town between Thailand and Laos. It captures the light of fireworks, suggesting the bustle and joyous celebration of people, illuminating mystical animal sculptures that blend Hindu and Buddhist influences.



"FIREWORKS (ARCHIVES)" is a record of the stone sculptures in the temples of my native northeastern Thailand, a device of memory that induces hallucinations through the momentary illumination of fireworks," says Apichatpong Weerasethakul. Set in northeastern Thailand, a region with a history of political oppression and resistance, the sculptures of wild beasts emerge from the darkness, illuminated by fireworks, as symbols of desolation and liberation.

In addition, video installations, prints, and photographic works related to fireworks, exploring concepts such as collective memory, dreams, and sleep—which are also carried over into his current film "Memoria"—illuminate the uncertain realm of memory, transcending boundaries.

FIREWORKS (ARCHIVES)
Dates | Thursday, September 11 – Saturday, October 4 *Closed Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays
Hours | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Venue | SCAI THE BATHHOUSE
6-1-23 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo (Kashiuyu Ato)
Tel. 03-3821-1144
Admission | Free
http://www.scaithebathhouse.com/

Opening Reception
Date & Time | Thursday, September 11, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Skype Talk with the Artist
Date & Time | Thursday, September 11, 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM (scheduled)
Moderator | Yoshioka Kenhiko
The Japan Foundation Asia Center
Interviewer | Ishizaka Kenji
Programming Director, Tokyo International Film Festival "Winds of Asia"