The Air We Share

In 2023, Chiang Mai, Thailand, was ranked as having the highest PM 2.5 air pollution in the world. In light of this, a group of artists from Chiang Mai decided to create artworks that reflected their experiences and frustrations with the current issues surrounding air pollution

Among the world's most polluted cities in 2023, Chiang Mai, Thailand, ranked first for PM 2.5 (Particulate Matter). Due to their 0.3 micrometer diameter, PM 2.5 floats in the air for longer periods of time. The result is that they can reach deep into your lungs, and even your blood, where they can cause more serious illnesses. 

After learning about PM 2.5's effects, I wanted to do something, but I wasn't sure where to begin. As a result of my search, I came across Chiang Mai artists whose works reflect their frustration with air pollution and their efforts to combat it. These works are on display in conjunction with the Art For Air exhibition. Despite the work they were doing, I wondered: Can artists really contribute to climate change? As a fellow artist and storyteller, I decided to join them in the absence of an answer.

Over the past few weeks, I have documented various artists' creative processes and learned about their personal experiences with air pollution. As part of my interview, I spoke with a young artist named Sirawit Muenpiw, who grew up in a garbage-filled neighborhood. His work depicted a bird's nest filled with garbage. The metaphor he used to describe his work was that he grew up suffocating in a nest buried beneath garbage, and no matter what he did, he was never able to dig his way out, regardless of how hard he tried. Another artist I spent a lot of time with was Jacob Black, a photographer from the UK. He comes from a country where clean air is free. Having breathed the air of Chiang Mai for a month, he was determined to see what it was like to live in an air-polluted city, and he captured it beautifully.

Artists, unlike other professions, experience climate change differently. By connecting nature with their souls, they are able to express themselves more fully through their artworks. Art itself has the power to move emotions. It is emotions that drive humans to act, and it is humans who make changes. In regards to my question - can artists help combat climate change? No, not directly, but they raise awareness about the issues and inspire people to act. However, when it comes to air pollution, all of us breathe the same air, so we are ultimately responsible for deciding whether or not to act.

Twilight Alley

In one of the most luxurious metropolia in the world, there is a small community of people tucked away beneath the shadow of tall concrete buildings.

The majority of my childhood was spent traveling and living abroad, so I was never able to experience what it would have been like to live in Thailand as a child. Up until recently, I had always thought Thailand was a bad place to raise children. In some respects, that's true. Growing up here, children are trapped in a big box. As they were taught to keep quiet, not ask questions, and follow orders, outside of the ordinary is not allowed for them. Prior to leaving Thailand, I was always different from the kids at my Thai school. My way of being was not understood, so they cast me out. I was upset by the way they were, I didn't understand them, and I refused to accept them. Despite knowing that growing up in Thailand wouldn't be appropriate for me, my parents decided to send me away, not realizing the lasting effects it would have.

While it was a privilege for me to get out, I found myself getting lost in it. Thus, I was ignorant of my country, my culture, and my people. Regardless of my nationality, I would never introduce myself as Thai. As a result of pretending to be someone else, I became less authentic both in my work and in my personal life. In turn, my friendships and relationships with my family were damaged. For so long, I have been living in the dark.

After moving to Australia, I have lived the life I always dreamed of, but it is not the life I needed. After I finished my degree, I was left drifting in the dark and I didn't know what to do with my life, so I decided to leave. In spite of the fact that leaving Australia was a difficult decision, it was a necessary one. For a while, it was good once I returned to Thailand. I got to spend more time with my family and I finally understand what they were going through. Still, I felt unfulfilled because of the hole in my heart. I decided to travel around the country doing what I do best, capturing moments, to learn about the life I abandoned. For the past few months, I have documented the life of Thai people through my photography. After spending so much time behind a camera, I realize how neglected I have been. After experiencing their pains and joys, I have a better understanding of them.

During my travels, I came across a little community living along Bangkok's oldest trade route, the Saan Saab canal. Houses and alleyways are shadowed by tall concrete buildings. What once was is no longer. Despite living in poverty, the people stay ahead of the ever-moving city of Bangkok. After over a month, I returned because of my fascination with their way of life. They seem to find a way to push themselves out despite the repression this country has given them. For the purpose of living. And those are the things I have been missing, living. After returning thinking I would be able to help them, I realized they were the ones who had helped me in the first place. After reconnecting with the life that I ignored many years ago, I have gained a new perspective on it. The shadow of these alleyways once again forced me to realize that I could not see the light without darkness.

People Wither

Thailand recently hosted the 2022 APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation). The meeting aimed to create a more stable economy by promoting Bio-Circular-Green Economy. However, it raised many questions that have still been left unanswered.