with Nakhon Si Thammarat Rajabhat University and Nakhon Si Thammarat College of Dramatic Arts
8 - 31 March 2023 at Khun Rattawut Wicharn's House
"Dance Sing and Play: The Sound of Nakhon Si Thammarat" Exhibition is a part of the Management of National Art Museum of Thailand Project by National Art Museum of Thailand, Thailand Academy of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts (TASSHA), in collaboration with Nakhon Si Thammarat Rajabhat University and Nakhon Si Thammarat College of Dramatic Arts, and funded by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT). Assoc. Prof. Namfon Laistrooglai, the Head Curator, presents the combination between joyfulness and music of Nakhon Si Thammarat by displaying various arts and crafts such as Nang Talung shadow puppet, Nora dress, beads, and headdress, and cages for Red-whiskered bulbuls which display unique techniques and motifs from local materials. This exhibition aims to disseminate local arts and crafts to the wider public. The exhibition opens for public from 9 am - 4 pm, from 8 to 31 March 2023 at Khun Rattawut Wicharn's House
Nang Talung : Worldview of Southern Thais through Light and Shadow
Nang Talung, a Thai shadow puppetry, is a unique performance with its own style of narration and dialogue that provide entertainment for the audience. Each shadow puppet on display was created by craftmen and differ from one another in terms of appearance and role. The concepts of the shadow puppets' design are usually based on lifestyle and significant events of the Southern Region or in Thailand as a whole. So, it serves as a chronicle and reflects social condition, value, and worldview of the Southern Thais in each period.
Nora, from cultural heritage of the South to world heritage
The "Nora" section displays items related to the unique theatrical performances of the Southern Thai, which has been registered as the Intangible Cultural Heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This section present Nora dance from the perspectives of craftsmanship, for example the evolution Nora dress from traditional costumes to contemporary designs of Asst. Prof. Suphat Naksen which incorporate "Namo" motif in bead arrangement. The section also displays unique accessories of the Nora dress that have been developed from the past to the present. The highlight in this section is the "Serd" or Nora headdress that is an important component and of spiritual importance for Nora dancers. Asst. Prof. Suphat Naksen kindly lend the Serd of Norayok Chubua, the National Artist in Performing Arts (Nora) for display in this exhibition.
The Music from Birds to the Craft of Nakhon Si Thammarat
Music from the nature in Nakhon Si Thammarat is the sound from little Red-whiskered bulbuls, which are present in the daily life of the Southern Thais. The songs from this little birds is the starting point for the craftsmanship of these bird cages. They are built specifically for the birds, which are seen as a member of a family, to live and to sing the beautiful sound every day. The exhibition displays the bird cages with different motifs and techniques, such as the traditional train compartment-shaped cage,- mother-of-pearl inlaid cage, and ivory bird cage. In addition, each cage reflects the meticulousness and the beauty that the skilled craftsmen have created. The bird cages are therefore a distinctive craft of Nakhon SI Thammarat and the Southern Region,
Experience the Aesthetic and Join the Traditional Art Activities of Nakhon Si Thammarat in The Exhibition
Apart from disseminating the wisdom of local craftmanship in different perspectives, "Dance Sing and Play: the Sound of Nakhon Si Thammarat" exhibition presents the aesthetic analysis of these crafts by Professor Emeritus Preecha Taothong, National Artist. The exhibition also hosts learning activities for children designed for preserving the crafts and developing their legacy, for example, the bead arranging activity which was inspired by beads on the Nora dress. These activities open up new experiences in creativity for children, allowing them to learn arts and crafts. We would like to invite you to visit the exhibition and experience wisdom heritage of the craftsman of Nakhon Si Thammarat and the South together.
"Dance Sing and Play: the Sound of Nakhon Si Thammarat" opens daily for the public from 9 am - 4 pm from 8 - 31 March 2023, at Khun Rattawut Wicharn's House, Ratchadamnoen Road, Nakhon Si Thammarat
Source: fyi bangkok
