Two design books critique cultural representation through Thai architecture and Indian objects
In the summer of 2016, two design publications, 'New Thai Style' and 'Sar: The Essence of Indian Design,' delve into cultural representation through distinct approaches. 'New Thai Style' focuses on Thai residences, hotels, and resorts, showcasing a fusion of tradition and modernity in luxury living, with contributions from Jim Thompson, an American entrepreneur. It posits that the allure of Thai style stems from its blend of traditional elements and external influences. Conversely, 'Sar' features 200 commonplace Indian items, such as a pressure cooker and roti press, emphasizing their cultural relevance and colonial narratives. Both texts assert that objects possess cultural meanings linked to their production, yet these meanings can evolve. Critics raise concerns about whether these methods dilute cultural authenticity or revert to outdated ethnographic practices.
Key facts
- 'New Thai Style' and 'Sar: The Essence of Indian Design' were published in Summer 2016.
- 'New Thai Style' examines Thai luxury living through homes, hotels, and resorts blending tradition and innovation.
- 'Sar' features 200 everyday objects, mostly new but some a century old, to represent Indian design and life.
- The authors of 'Sar' are an artist/curator and a fashion designer.
- Jim Thompson, an American entrepreneur, founded a company featured in 'New Thai Style'; his reassembled Thai houses are now a museum.
- By the late nineteenth century, Indians were the biggest purchasers of pressure cookers, as noted in 'Sar'.
- Both books claim objects have inherent cultural meanings yet are transferable across contexts.
- The review was first published in ArtReview Asia's Summer 2016 issue.
Entities
Artists
- Jim Thompson
Institutions
- ArtReview Asia
Locations
- Thailand
- India