pockets of bangkok

A theoretical and artistic inquiry into notions of authenticity and "Thainess" in an increasingly globalized world.
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Pockets of Bangkok is an ongoing collaborative research project carried out merging local and foreign perspectives on Bangkok. A “Pocket” is understood as a quantifiable physical space mediating between preserving Thai authenticity and engaging with globalization; examples include spirit houses, malls, carts, Instagram spots, five-foot ways, khlong communities, etc. These pockets can be subdivided into “Leaky Pockets” where the old world and the new world meet (malls), “Interstitial Pockets” that persist under pressure (sois, carts, markets) and “Closed Pockets” which are immune to the outside world (shrines, temples, spirit houses). The research process has included mapping, writing, drawing, collage, kitbashing, video game design, and the design of speculative architecture projects.