OCTOBER

Settling into the House by the Pond  just off Sukhumvit road took just a few short hours after-which we were happily planted in central Bangkok. This accommodation has a pretty good location and I recommend the place to anyone who wants to spend a chunk of time in this hot and sticky city that can easily excite anyone’s taste-buds, nostrils or eyeballs. (www.housebythepond.com)  As we strolled about the city we inhaled sewerage and frangipani aromas all at once. It’s a city of extremes where floating fifty levels above us were luxurious penthouses while back on ground level we ate at marvelous street stalls where pawpaw salad is less than 1$ a plate. Insanely hot chilli or as they say “spicy” food can turn a delicate diner into a river of sweat and snot but the flavors and presentation of Thai cuisine is truly superb. Definitely a place for food-lovers. Our Bangkok view from the rooftop was pretty dam spicy as well.

Carolina and I presented our Ant(arctic)a exhibition at Lalanta Gallery which took up a little time as did catching up with friends there. Our little Icy show in that hot and humid mega-city opened on October 4th.  James Wise, Ambassador of Australia to Thailand and Anna Maria Romirez, the Ambassador of Argentina to Thailand presided over the opening together. (www.lalanta.com) To keep the ambassadors company five other diplomats from Cuba, Mexico, Israel, Brazil, and Greece also attended the opening function so it turned out to be a busy night. Carolina and I along with a few friends ended up at a neon nightclub featuring impressive “katoey” musical performances fuelled by whiskey soda, feathers and glamour. Over that evening we managed to successfully navigate through suits, shimmering sequined frocks, Sai Krog Naem Muu Isaan (fermented sour pork sausages), and Bangkok traffic without any collisions or mishaps at all.  We love Bangkok and the Thai King as well!

Next was a pit stop in Singapore where many things happened in four days. None of which I will be telling you as it is all very secretive. Actually the primary reason to visit this hot and spotless city was to begin talks and preparations for an exhibition I hope to have there in 2012.  Stay tuned.

Amsterdam is now once again on my geography menu. My 5th show at Suzanne Beiderberg Gallery in the Jordaan brings me here as my Planted show opens at the end of October so here I be stretching the artworks and watching the Euro winter arrive. Herrings, cheese, beer and genever (Dutch Gin) are on my other menu, all far removed in flavors from our recent Thai diet but still very tasty or should I say. Lekker!!

For those that missed this documentary from 2010 here is a short ABC TV profile from the Art Nation program - 
http://www.abc.net.au/arts/stories/s2955991.htm