After an epic 40 hour journey I have arrived in Thailand. Katie Hawker who runs the artist-led project Surface Arts along with her assistant a local artist called Pitchaya, have been showing me the ropes, introducing me to local artists and the local scene. There is a lot going on here – Chiang Mai is a ‘creative city’ – part of a long-term regeneration strategy that sees culture more significantly invested in. Katie, who first came here 3 years ago, saw the potential for realising projects here. She set up this residency programme and is now looking to develop an exchange programme between Chiang Mai and a space in London.
Last night we went to a photography exhibition by a Korean American artist about plastic surgery and the extent to which it is normalised in Korea, then headed to an alternative experimental music night.
The food is amazing.
