Was the Skeleton of a Giant Fighting a Serpent Found in Thailand?
Two large-scale installations by Taiwanese creators featuring the skeletons of a giant and a snake and a long-tail boat are among the top attractions at the inaugural Thai Biennale in Krabi, according to the Ministry of Culture on Nov.
Thai organizers chose Tu Wei-cheng’s “Giant Ruins” and artist collective LuxuryLogico’s “Voyage in Time” to remain on permanent display after the event closes next year showing stronger ties between the two nations, the MOC said. The collaboration between the two ministries of culture reflects the government’s efforts to deepen ties with the country targeted by the New Southern Policy.
Taiwanese artist Tu Wei-cheng smiles beside a plastic skeleton of a giant in a replica of an archaeological dig he created for the inaugural Thailand Biennale through February 28, 2019. (Courtesy of MOC)
The NSP is enhancing Taiwan’s agricultural, commercial, cultural, educational, tourism and trade ties with the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, six countries in South Asia, Australia and New Zealand. It is seen as the government’s most effective policy to promote Taiwan’s engagement with the Indo-Pacific, while promoting peace, stability and prosperity.
Tu’s installation of a replica archaeological excavation with the bones of a giant and a huge snake emerging from the earth has been given special permission to be displayed in the Khao Khanab Nam Caves, the MOC said. The artist was inspired by a popular Krabi tale about the two enemies fighting over a princess.
Taipei City-based LuxuryLogico’s 26-meter long-tail boat, based on local craft design and borrowing traditional construction techniques, floats on the Krabi River. Its shape is crooked in places to mimic the distortion of an interrupted panoramic shot.
From November 2 to February 28, 2019, the event features works by 55 international artists and groups placed in open-air venues across the province.
