Orawan Arunrak’s artwork – largely inspired by her everyday life – encompasses diverse forms such as drawing, painting, and installation, employing tools like pencils, pens, paper, but also photography and the internet. Her practice meticulously engages with local communities, endeavouring to dissolve boundaries between conventional art and non-art spaces. She navigates through multifaceted terrains of national, cultural, and spiritual identities, crafting pieces that reflect both similarities and divergences of her domiciles in Asia and Europe. Each work transcends visual representation, embodying dialogues and narratives that explore the complex relationships and stories entwined with each unique location and culture, offering viewers insights into the interplay of art, identity, and geography inherent in her oeuvre.
From 2021 to 2022, Arunrak took part in the BPA Berlin program for artists. She has exhibited in institutions such as Sa Sa Art Projects (KH) and KW Institute for Contemporary Art (DE). Arunrak was an artist in residence at Künstlerhaus Bethanien in 2016–17 (DE), LIA -Leipzig- International residency program (2021, DE), Sàn Art Laboratory (2014-15, VN), Pisaot Experimental Residency Program, Sa Sa Art Projects (2014, KH). She has also been widely exhibited internationally, with solo exhibitions in Cambodia, Thailand, Germany, and Japan. Her group presentations of significance include, DREAM OF THE DAY, Ilham Gallery (2022, MY), Nation, Narration, Narcosis, Hamburger Bahnhof (2021, DE), Public Spirits, Centre for Contemporary Art Ujazdowski Castle (2016, PL), amongst others.
(Profile picture and bio excerpt provided by BANGKOK CITY CITY Gallery. Photo courtesy of Wolfgang Bellwinkel.
Writings:
Orawan Arunrak, Artforum, Vol. 62, No. 8, APRIL 2024.