Say goodbye to Maman at Khao Yai Art Forest
This is a special weekend celebrating the final days of Maman, a monumental spider by French-American artist Louise Bourgeois that, since its arrival in February, has captivated visitors worldwide.
It is one of only seven editions worldwide and made its first Southeast Asian appearance in 25 years at Khao Yai Art Forest. Other editions reside in prestigious institutions including Tate Modern (UK), Guggenheim Museum Bilbao (Spain), Mori Art Museum (Japan) and the National Gallery of Canada.
A symbol of nurture and protection, Maman evokes the tender strength of motherhood -- like a spider patiently weaving a web for her young. Nestled within Khao Yai's mountainous landscape and lush vegetation, the installation sparks an extraordinary dialogue between art, nature and humanity.
The weekend will feature a vibrant series of workshops, performances and communal activities designed to make this farewell both a restorative and memorable experience, from 10am to 7pm.
Besides viewing the beloved sculpture before it returns to the Easton Foundation in New York City, visitors can wander through the forest trails and explore other internationally acclaimed installations.
They will enjoy an extraordinary khon performance that blends classical Thai mask dance with contemporary choreography to tell the poignant tale of Mandodari (Montho) from the Ramayana. It will be staged by Jitti Chompee and the masters from the Fine Arts Department, twice a day at 3.30pm and 5.30pm.
They will have an opportunity to create unique botanical prints and explore the intricate patterns of Khao Yai's flora in an eco-printing workshop and embrace meditative creativity by arranging floral mandalas, a symbolic farewell to Maman and a gesture of respect to the Earth.
Interested visitors are also invited to capture Maman from their favourite angle and post the photo on Instagram with the hashtag #farewelltomaman for a chance to win special prizes, until Sunday.
Tickets cost 1,500 baht (4,500 baht including dinner at 7pm) and can be purchased from ticketmelon.com/kyaf/farewelltomaman.
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