Thai Taxi Talismans
2
Issued Date
2010
Resource Type
Language
eng
Rights
Mahidol University
Suggested Citation
Konstanz, Dale (2010). Thai Taxi Talismans. Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/40250
Title
Thai Taxi Talismans
Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Objective To organize an exhibition of my series of photographs of religious and superstitious decorations in Bangkok taxis at Silpakorn University Ta Phra Campus from 23 October – 1 November, 2010. A secondary objective was to create an exhibition catalog with reproductions of photographs, as well as an artist's statement and biographical information.Methods To assemble, print, and create methods of display for selected work
from a large archive of photographs taken inside Bangkok taxis. Research involved reading reference material relevant to Thai art and culture,interviewing taxi drivers, and viewing artwork with related subject matter.
Results The exhibition provided an opportunity to share my photographs with the public as it brought attention to an aspect of Thai culture that is sometimes underappreciated or taken for granted. The exhibition was also useful in
promoting the Fine and Applied Arts Division at Mahidol University International College to others outside the university. MUIC was listed as a major sponsor on all promotional materials and it was mentioned that I teach at
Mahidol in several write-ups, including a short article on CNN Go website. The exhibition also served to promote my forthcoming book, Thai Taxi Talismans, to be published by River Books in 2011. Conclusion I will continue to take photos inside the taxis and archive them until I finish the book in the next month and as I continue to maintain my blog, “Still Life in Moving Vehicles” which focuses on related subject matter. In the future, I’m considering using the photographs as sources for paintings. I’m also interested in making a short film or video about Thai Taxi Talismans in the near future.
Description
The 2010 Research Seminar, Mahidol University International College, Thailand. 21 January 2010