Exploring “A Sense of Place” through the eyes of artists in residence Tiao David Somsanith and David Cheah
Curated by visionary artists Tiao David Somsanith and David Cheah, the “Lightness of Being” exhibition and “Cabinet of Hand-Crafted Curiosities” pop-up are open to the public and staged at The Great House at Rosewood Luang Prabang from 24 October to 7 November.
Boun Awk Phansa marks the end of Buddhist Lent, a time of reflection and for believers to set water lanterns afloat in a mesmerizing ceremony, a ritual of honoring the river spirits and symbolically letting go of negative thoughts and attachments.
Through “The Lightness of Being” exhibition, “Cabinet of Hand-Crafted Curiosities” pop-up, artist talks, and demonstrations, Tiao Nith and David invite guests to explore their own ‘sense of place’ in a changing world. The two artists in residence draw inspiration from the past, embrace tradition, continue to evolve to find relevance in the present as they bring guests on a journey from the ephemeral to the ethereal.
Based in Australia, David is a Malaysian-born mixed media artist whose personal journey from architect and interior designer to artist blurs the boundaries of art and design in his work. Unique to this exhibition is a combination of earth pigments sourced from the river flowing through Rosewood Luang Prabang, natural French ochre, natural indigo, and 24k gold leaf applied to Lao hemp and silk.
After meeting Tiao Nith and discovering a shared interest in stencil art, David volunteered in a temple stenciling restoration project in Luang Prabang with the Laos-born French artist. Tiao Nith, a descendant of the family of viceroys of Luang Prabang, is a multi-disciplinary artist who dedicates a significant portion of his time to the transmission and preservation of Laos’ artistic heritage. His latest series of embroidered leaves invite guests to look beyond the physical and material beauty, intricacy, and luster of the precious metal embroidery, serving as a reminder of the impermanence, but also beauty, of life.
“The Lightness of Being” exhibition and “Cabinet of Hand-Crafted Curiosities” pop-up are an ode to the enduring traditions and the ever-evolving spirit of Luang Prabang. As artists, Tiao David Somsanith and David Cheah bridge the gap between past and present, offering visitors a captivating glimpse into the profound sense of place that defines this mystical destination through talks, demonstrations, and workshops from October 24 to November 7, 2023.
