Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook: The Bouquet and the Wreath offers an expansive and generously illustrated response to the artist's multifaceted practice, with contributions from artists, curators and scholars. Alongside critical examinations of Rasdjarmrearnsook's practice in relation to Buddhist thought and global contemporary art histories, the book also studies her significant contributions to art education in Thailand and reveals her enduring impact across Southeast Asia and beyond.
For over 45 years, Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook's art has lamented the tragedy and suffering of existence, while also cherishing the precious nourishment presented by her life's companions: grief, dogs, literature, flowers, memories, and a relentlessly mercurial, mischievous mirth. Rasdjarmrearnsook's whimsical yet sombre artworks invite us to dwell on immense philosophical questions. What is the purpose of art? What does it mean to be human? She obliquely quips: "I don't need to spell out everything that I feel, do I?".
Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook (born in 1957, lives and works in Bangkok) is a multidisciplinary Thai artist, one of Southeast Asia's most respected and internationally active contemporary artists.
Edited by Roger Nelson and Kittima Chareeprasit.
Contributions by Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook, Heman Chong, Lawrence Chua, Kamin Lertchaiprasert, Ruba Katrib, Kawita Vatanajyankur, Kittima Chareeprasit, Luckana Kunavichayanont, Lucas Morin, Roger Nelson, Grace Samboh, Sayan Daengklom.
