REVIEW

The gallery next door : Siam Square's latest addition

PATTARA DANUTRA

Siam Square is best known as a shopping centre and soon it will become the home of the Bangkok Metropolitan Art Museum. But before that happens, a somewhat smaller art space has opened its doors. Its name is Whitespace.

This tiny gallery is located on the second floor near the Lido cinema complex, and is more than just another visual attraction to the capital's shopping epicentre.

"Although we don't refuse to sell items on show, our goal is not to be a commercial space, but an alternative place to promote young conceptual artists," said Maitree Siriboon, the gallery's curator and a fifth year art student at Silpakorn University, who won last year's Bangkok Bank art competition.

"There is a lot of good pieces of art that have only been displayed on campus or other unfrequented spots, so not many people have had a chance to see them. Re-exhibiting them, or presenting other works in the same series, will help get these artists in the public eye."

Located in the heart of the capital definitely gives Whitespace a big advantage. Some students and cinema-goers pass the gallery's door and become regular visitors.

"Some young artists have even proposed exhibiting here just because they are captivated by the look of our space," Maitree said.

Maitree launched the gallery with an exhibition of his own work last month, and is currently exhibiting an installation, The Balanced Transition, by Nithiphat Hoisangthong, which is on show until February 11.

At least two more budding artists will continue the opening season: Apichart Eiamwichan (February 17 to March 18) and Manit Kantasak (March 24 to April 22). All are alumni of Silapakorn University. Although their names aren't yet established, they have all won local art competitions and some have experience in overseas workshops and residency programmes, and have the potential to become stars of the art world in the future.

"We'd like to invite artists from other colleges or backgrounds to approach us. We've been contacted by some already," he said. "Many have come to the gallery without knowing us personally and some of them had marvellous portfolios."

Although the available space is narrow and small, only able to accommodate around a dozen canvases, a few sculptures or an installation, Maitree plans to turn the gallery's third floor into an exhibition space and workshop for an artist in residency programme.

If anyone visits the venue today, they will encounter a large abstract installation. It belongs to Nithiphat, the second artist in the first season series. Made from various materials, including wax, rags and wood, The Balanced Transition can almost be smelled while approaching. It is part of a bigger work using the same materials and concepts that was exhibited at Silpakorn University's Nakhon Pathom campus. The work of this BA graduate from Burapha University - and recent master of fine arts graduate from Silpakorn University - is representative of future exhibitions at Whitespace, which will feature conceptual and experimental art by fresh young artists who care more about artistic expression than the demands of the market.

Nithiphat Hoisangthong's 'The Balanced Transition' will be at Whitespace gallery until February 11. The venue, located on the second floor of the Lido movie complex on Siam Square Soi 3, opens daily from noon to 8pm, every day except Mondays. Call 02-252-2900 or visit http://www.whitespaceasia.com/gallery for more details.

Outlook News
Bangkok Post
Thursday January 25, 2007