Studio 88 Artist Residency is delighted to highlight the remarkable collaboration between Wilai Paijitkanjanakul, Eco-print craftmaker and Ben Robinson, photographer, whose work is now showcased at Chiang Mai Design Week 2024. Through Studio 88’s efforts to foster meaningful connections and provide curatorial support, this partnership has flourished, blending Thai tradition with innovative artistic expression.
The exhibition, “Dragon Eco Print Art Exhibition: Teak Leaf Prints,” revolves around the use of teak leaves, a significant Lanna resource traditionally utilized in construction and furniture-making. The artists have transformed this natural material into a medium for eco-printing, capturing the changing hues of teak leaves through the seasons and creating art that intertwines environmental awareness with cultural identity.
At its core is the installation “The Parable of the Insatiable Dragon,” which combines Wilai’s textiles and Robinson’s photography. The piece tells a cautionary tale of a dragon that consumes everything, including its own tail, symbolizing humanity’s unsustainable consumption. Presented in three sections—The Birth of the Dragon, The Life of the Dragon, and The Death of the Dragon—the work uses teak leaves at different life stages (budding, mature, and dying) to reflect Thailand’s three seasons. These visuals explore the cyclical nature of life and the ecological consequences of human actions.
Robinson’s work underscores environmental degradation, referencing issues like overfishing, air pollution from burning fields, and single-use plastic waste. Wilai’s contributions celebrate the harmony of untouched nature, creating a dialogue between destruction and preservation.
This exhibition also features two 11-meter silk dragons inspired by Chinese and Lanna mythology, echoing themes of cultural preservation and environmental advocacy.
Studio 88’s commitment to collaborative projects like this exemplifies the power of partnerships in tackling critical global issues. Visitors are invited to engage deeper through eco-printing workshops, celebrating the transformative potential of art and community.
Join us from 7–15 December 2024 at Mantana Building and Bua Phat Factory to experience the beauty and impact of collaboration.
If you would like to be part of our art community, Studio 88 is accepting applications on an on-going basis. Check out our residency program and apply now.
Studio 88 Artist Residency 