Spectrosynthesis II Examines LGBTQ Art in Southeast Asia

The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre hosts 'Spectrosynthesis II – Exposure of Tolerance', a touring exhibition from the Sunpride Foundation featuring over 50 artists. Curated from the foundation's LGBTQ art collection led by Patrick Sun, the show follows a 2017 iteration at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Taipei, which coincided with Taiwan's move to legalize same-sex marriage. In Thailand, same-sex activity is legal but marriage equality and gender recognition are not, providing a contrasting geopolitical context. The exhibition balances awareness-raising with art-historical merit, opening with a drag performance by Dicklomacy Queers Spicey(est) Sisters. Notable works include Ohm Phanphiroj's 'Underage' (2010), documenting child sex workers in Thailand; Arin Rungjang's 'Welcome to My World (Tee)' (2019), linking personal trauma to a transgender prostitute's life in Germany; David Medalla's interactive 'A Stitch in Time'; and Xiyadie's papercuts depicting internal battles. The show runs from 23 November 2019 to 1 March 2020.