Tharinee "Palm" Ratanasatien, 2023
"Lost Sanctum: Urban Solitude" is a multidimensional exploration by Tharinee Ratansatien, weaving together traditional artistry, contemporary technology, and interactive spaces. The exhibition delves into the fragility of cultural sanctuaries in the face of urbanization, inviting visitors to engage with the ephemeral nature of heritage and reflect on their role in the preservation of cultural identity.
1. Crafted Incense Ashes Installation
Title: Ephemeral Epitaph
Artist: Tharinee Ratanasatien
Technique: Crafted from burnt incense ashes, this installation employs delicate craftsmanship to evoke the essence of the Tubtim Shrine and its vulnerability in the face of neglect and urban development.
Size: 18” x 60”
Description:
This central installation, a poignant creation by Tharinee Ratansatien, showcases the delicately formed name of the Tubtim Shrine meticulously crafted from the ashes of burnt incense. Placed unattended on the floor, it emphasizes the fragility and neglect of the installation, mimicking the fate of neglected cultural heritages. The intricate composition invites visitors to contemplate the ephemeral nature of cultural sanctuaries faced with the relentless tide of urbanization.
2. Real-time Touchscreen CCTV Footages
Title: Chronicles of Neglect
Artist: Tharinee Ratanasatien
Technique: Interactive technology, allowing users to zoom in on specific details of the Crafted Incense Ashes Installation and witness reactions from different places, fostering a deeper connection with the narrative and our collective role in gentrification.
Description:
Strategically placed touchscreen interfaces display real-time CCTV footages of two Crafted Incense Ashes Installations, located in front of The Tubtim Shrine and in Wongwian 22, a Chinese community. Tharinee Ratansatien's masterful integration of multimedia and technology creates a dynamic connection between the physical and virtual realms. This innovative approach not only captures the immediate audience response but also highlights the ongoing transformation of the installation over time.
3. Visitor Reflection Area
Title: Silent Sanctum Lounge
Artist: Tharinee Ratanasatien
Technique: Tharinee employs a subtle audio landscape to enhance the immersive experience, transporting visitors to the sacred atmosphere of the shrine and underscoring the emotional resonance of the exhibition.
Description:
Purposefully designed low-seating areas offer visitors a space for contemplation amidst the visual and auditory elements. Tharinee Ratansatien's intention is to foster a reflective environment where visitors can absorb the narrative presented in Lost Sanctum: Urban Solitude and connect on a personal level with the broader themes of cultural preservation. In this piece, Tharinee Ratansatien introduces a subtle audio landscape, including echoes of traditional music and soft prayers, to recreate the sounds of the Tubtim Shrine's surroundings.
