Atlas
1. Re-Reading Khun Chang Khun Phaen, 2011
Jim Thompson Art Center, Bangkok
Curator: Dr. Chris Baker and Dr. Pasuk Phongpaichit
 
2. ขุนช้าง ขุนแผน จากอดีตถึงปัจจุบัน
24 May  - 24 June 2012
National Museum, Supanburi
 
24 layout of 144 digital photographs and texts
inkjet print on paper, each 46 x 66 cm.
 
 
The Re-reading Khun Chang Khun Phaen Exhibition is based on a folk tale which gradually developed in to an important Siamese literary work. First composed by storytellers during the Ayutthaya period, Khun ChangKhun Paen was revised, adapted and expanded by court poets and authors including Khru Janeg, SunthornPhu, King Rama II and Prince Damrong. Recently translated by renowned scholars and social critics, Dr. ChrisBaker and Dr. Pasuk Phongpaichit, the English edition is entitled “The Tales of Khun Chang Khun Phaen”. According to the translators, “Unlike much old Thai literature which deals with exploits of gods and kings and is often based on foreign originals, the tale of Khun Chang Khun Phaen developed locally, was probably based on a true story and rambles all over the social landscape. Moreover, like epics and sagas which were developed in an oral tradition of repeated interaction between performers and audiences, the tales reflects the value of its society of origin. Hence Khun Chang Khun Phaen is potentially a unique source on social relation and attitudes. However, it is also a complex source because its development passed through two distinct phases, one in local folk tradition, and other in the royal court. Yet this complexity can also be revealing on the contrast of folk and court values.” Over time, the structure of the Khun Chang Khun Phaen story shifted, and the language used was adapted by different authors from colloquial to more official style.
 
By follows in the routes around the old capital to capture the historic places that mainly appear in the epic story and the multiple layers which be share nowadays in various forms as a framework to reflects the value of its society.