Thailand is shaping up to be an important destination for art enthusiasts in Southeast Asia. More and more, local artists are being exhibited at the galleries and exhibition spaces that continue to open all across Bangkok. And support is pouring in from both huge corporations and the public.
PTT is the latest big name to fuel the artistic flames in the country. The state-owned energy company has launched Soft Power for Better Thailand, a project aimed at supporting nationwide economic rejuvenation after the COVID-19 pandemic. Apart from that, the project also marks the very first time that PTT has adapted the use of digital technology to promote Thai culture and artistry after having been the nation's strong voice on this front for decades.
As part of the initiative, PTT has brought a series of precious artworks from the 1980s back to life as an online showcase. Entitled Locating the Locals: A Virtual Exhibition by PTT, it allows audiences to teleport decades back and see how locals lived back in the day through the eyes of award-winning Thai artists.
Accessible via this website, the virtual art show walks you through a make-believe gallery, via a simulated character, to see multiple paintings that have won awards from PTT’s art competitions since 1986.
Apart from providing convenience to art enthusiasts, who can see the show from anywhere in the world, Locating the Locals also acts as a “socializing platform” where attendees can interact with one another and join in fun-filled activities. To add to the fun, you can customize your character with many exciting features. It’s all about bringing the virtual reality experience to the art world!
But you can also see these artworks up close and personal. Locating the Locals will be exhibited IRL in three big cities across Thailand. River City Bangkok will be hosting the exhibition from 4 to 12 February as part of Bangkok Design Week. After that, the show will move to Khon Kaen in April and then to Songkla later on. Keep abreast of the locations via the Facebook page.
Check out the virtual exhibition any time on your device by downloading the mobile application now (available for both iOS and Android).