1.With February just around the corner, it's as good a time as any to start shopping for those all-important Valentine's Day gifts. Nothing says "I love you" like a good, warm mug of coffee in the morning, so get your loved ones a special-edition Valentine's Day mug or bottle from Starbucks, available in both plastic and ceramic. Coming in various shades of blue, pink and gold, the drinkware items will cost anywhere from 550-1,150 baht. You can find them at a Starbucks near you.
2.Tomorrow, 4.30pm, head to the Cho Why art-space on Yaowarat for a special performance-art exhibition. Titled Darling Agenda: That Idol In A Box, the event will feature Korean-American artist Tora Kim as she "deconstructs the journey of a veteran warrior trapped inside a kaleidoscope". With experience working in Hollywood alongside such artists as James Franco, Willem Dafoe, Sally Silvers, John Zorn and Sean Lennon, among others, Kim asks the question: "How do we reclaim our agency in an unpredictable world where external oppression has long since been internalised?" Entrance is 250 baht. For more information, contact chowhybkk@gmail.com, or visit www.torakim.com for a taste of the artist's works.
3.Architect, professor and interior designer, renowned artist Chi Wing Lo welcomes you to his latest exhibition AURA at the Serindia Gallery, Bang Rak. An effort by Chi to bridge what he perceives as a "growing gap between art and design", the exhibition features tableware and practical decorative ornaments made largely from cut Chinese ink stone. Revolved around the idea of simplicity and perfection, Chi's latest collection will be on display until Feb 28, and will also be featured at Bangkok Design Week from Jan 27 to Feb 4. Entry to the gallery is free.
4.One of the most respected Thai film directors of his generation, Pen-Ek Ratanaruang has had an undeniably important role in shaping the Thai film industry as it is today. On the eve of the 20th anniversary of his debut, the Jam Factory welcomes you to Cinema Journey: 20 Years Of Pen-Ek, an event dedicated to the director's work, with special screenings and discussions of his films as well. Free for any interested, head over at 4.30pm for some food and drinks from the Knack Market, before sitting down for a discussion with famous guests such as director Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit (Mary Is Happy, Mary Is Happy; Heart Attack), before enjoying an outdoor screening of Pen-Ek's films at 6.30pm. Pen-Ek himself will be present to sign autographs, and will be joined by Ploy Cherman, the star of his latest film, Samui Song, soon to be released in theatres.
5.Head to EmQuartier this weekend and join in envisioning the Bangkok of the future at the Make The Future Thailand event. Held by gas company Shell, the event will be a showcase of Thailand's energy landscape, and will feature plenty of other activities, as well as a mini-concert by a bevy of artists. The activities promised include a "Retail Station Of The Future", "Salt Water Car" and the "Next Level Of Virtual-Reality", while the artists set to perform include Mario Maurer and BNK48. The event will be entirely free of charge, and will take place between 2-7pm (6pm on Sunday).
