From open burning to toxic emissions, clouds of smoke curl and drift before entering our bodies. Thai artist Supmanee Chaisansuk has launched her new exhibition of semi-abstract paintings to explore the impact of air pollution.
"I feel like nobody can help us, including authorities. I bought purifiers and face masks but at some point, protective gear was in short supply. The government didn't support us at all," Supmanee told the Bangkok Post. "The winter turns into the smog season."
Titled "Taking Care Of Yourself", her display is a collaboration with the Thailand Clean Air Network. It is part of the Citizens Make Change festival running on the third floor of the Bangkok Arts and Cultural Centre from Jan 4-16.
Her exhibition features eight semi-abstract paintings. This style of art treads on the borderland between reality and dream, using a few recognisable shapes and patterns for reference such as fire, black smoke, and tissue. She also employed acrylic paints and charcoal in her mixed media.
"Air pollution is a structural problem because it results from human activities, like industrial emission, transport, and agriculture. We can't solve them alone and must therefore protect ourselves," she said. "The campaign for a new clean air bill can guarantee our basic right. In the long term, the education system should promote environmental awareness."
