“Facing demons, the devil is in the details” is an exhibition of unseen photographs created for the 46th anniversary of the October 6 massacre at Thammasat University in Bangkok. There are fourteen rolls of unpublished photos from a group of photographers who witnessed the massacre. They remained unseen until now and the history of the massacre is still unfolding. The exhibition focuses on examining the photographs searching for perpetrators and suspicious figures “the devil”. The design focused to this key message to shape the exhibition design concept.
To realize the atmosphere of one of the most brutal instances of violence in Thai history, the designer intentionally brings the audience immediately into the lynch mob on the morning of October 6. Upon opening the exhibition door, the audience enters the lobby of the gallery, titled “Facing Demons.”
Stepping into the low ambience light room, the audience is suddenly surrounded by 1:1 scale images of people. Mirrors reflect the audience and place them within the lynch mob. Bystanders in the past watched violence as if it were entertainment, and the exhibition audience joins them. The selected 46-year-old unpublished photos on both sides are scenes of those who were present during the massacre, is the opening of the exhibition story.
The 4-storey gallery comprised of tiny spaces presented by many transitions. Designers diminish vision, using darkness to obscure the dimensions and shapes of spaces. Then, particular content and images light up to lead the audience through the story. A dark grey wall background lead by focused light, the tools invite the audience to witness the demons’ actions from ground floor, investigate to the Devil up to top level.
Contributing to the fight against impunity is a key part of the exhibition’s manifesto. The exhibition point to the Devil, who remains unspeakable in Thailand.
Team:
Exhibition Designer: Benjamas Winitchakul, Nachapon Rujirasopon, Ponlawat Katjinakul, Ratima Prapasawad
Exhibition Photos : Somboon Katepeung, Preecha Kansompoj, Sayant Pornnantharat, Pavit Sorojchana, Kraipit Panwut and Prakit Limsakul
Owner / Producer:, Exhibition Content: The Oct 6 Museum project [OMP]
Graphic Designer: Pornchalerm Rattanatraipob Lighting Design : L&E Co.Ltd.
Production manager: Jiraporn Hirunburana
Documentary Film: Chulayarnnon Siriphol The Oct 6 Museum project [OMP]
Photo credit: Benjamas Winitchakul The Oct 6 Museum project [OMP]
Materials Used:
Interior lighting: L&E Co.Ltd.
