From Pad Thai to Ping Pong: Rirkrit Tiravanija at MoMA PS1

from-pad-thai-to-ping-pong-rirkrit-tiravanija-at-moma-ps1

The MoMA PS1 in New York will host the first United States museum survey of Thai artist Rirkrit Tiravanija this fall. Curated by Ruba Katrib, Yasmil Raymond, Jody Graf, and Kari Rittenbach, the exhibition is set to be the largest show to date for Tiravanija, featuring over 100 works in multiple mediums. The show, which opens on October 12th and runs through March 2024, is one of the biggest exhibitions PS1 has dedicated to a single artist in recent years.

Tiravanija is well-known for his interactive pieces incorporating diverse materials, such as soup and social interactions. The exhibition’s main attraction will be the works involving participant involvement, including the famous untitled 1990 (pad thai) piece. In this work, a team of workers prepare the dish, and attendees consume it, making it a key artwork from its era. The PS1 show will feature five interactive pieces, which will be displayed on a stage as though they were theatrical productions.

In addition to the interactive works, the exhibition will feature sculptures, works on paper, films, ephemera, and other traditional gallery works that address topics like the news cycle, diasporas, and art history. Tiravanija’s expansive practice, including his involvement in the Land Foundation and co-founding of Gallery VER in Bangkok, will be documented in the show’s catalogue.

Katrib stated that the exhibition would showcase how Tiravanija has significantly influenced other artists, referencing art history and deploying references that have impacted the wider art community.

The MoMA PS1 exhibition will provide a comprehensive look into Tiravanija’s artistic practice and its impact on contemporary art. Visitors can experience the artist’s famous interactive pieces and see their evolution. In addition, the show’s catalogue will offer insight into the artist’s other activities and projects, demonstrating the full scope of his practice.

Tiravanija’s works are thought-provoking and innovative, pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms and challenging audiences to engage with the art in new ways. His use of food and social interactions in his pieces highlights the importance of community and encourages attendees to participate actively in creating the artwork.

Overall, the MoMA PS1 exhibition is a highly anticipated event and a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary art and its evolution. With more than 100 works on display, it promises to be an immersive and thought-provoking experience. Take advantage of this opportunity to see one of the most influential artists of our time, Rirkrit Tiravanija, in his largest show to date.