july your guide to what’s on
| Until 26 Imitation is the first solo exhibition by a promising young artist from Silpakorn University, Amarin Buppasiri. Th e Bangkok show presents a series of paintings focusing on Thai high school students and how they mimic one another. He believes these acts of imitation stem from the over-consumption of celebrity culture and the entertainment world. www.ardelgallery.com |
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| All Month Boutiques, malls and department stores across Singapore off er dizzying discounts on their items during the weeks of the Great Singapore Sale (29 May to 26 July). From beauty treatments to IT gear, the sale has most angles covered with some fun events thrown into the package. Likewise, the Amazing Th ailand Grand Sale (1 June to 31 Aug) never disappoints visiting and resident bargain hunters. Most of the shopping malls offer discounts between 10 to 70 per cent and are within bag-carrying distance of a skytrain station. Bargains can also be found in Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Pattaya, Phuket and Koh Samui. |
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| 22-28 On top of the usual book sales, this year’s Hong Kong Book Fair offers seminars by noted authors. “Why is Exploring the New Frontier of Writing Necessary” by historian Zhang Yi-He, and “The Survival of Author and Literature” by Su Tong, whose short story Raise the Red Lantern was made into a film starring Gong Li are two highlights. Both are conducted in Cantonese. www.hkbookfair.com |
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| 26-28 Celebrated in the Dan Sai district of Loei Province in Th ailand’s northeast, Phi Ta Khon is a re-enactment of Buddha’s last reincarnation before enlightenment. The festival’s highlight is a procession of young people clad in vibrant, ghostly costumes and handcraft ed masks, (above) recreating the welcoming parade in the tale. A spirited gathering for locals and visitors alike. www.thailandgrandfestival.com |
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| All Month At 7.30pm every Friday and Saturday, watch shadow puppet shows and cultural performances at Phnom Penh’s very own Sovanna Phum Cambodian Art Association, whose puppeteers hail from The Royal University of Fine Arts. Immerse yourself in the rich diversity of Khmer performing arts, which are in the midst of a revival. http://shadow-puppets.org |
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august your guide to what’s on
| 6 Hiroshima was rebuilt from the ashes after World War II. To mark the anniversary of the aerial bombardment of the city, thousands of cube-shaped paper lanterns, each adorned with a personal message, are set afloat along the Motoyasu River during the annual Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony. The tranquil and contemplative ritual remembers the lives that were lost, but also aims to foster world peace. www.jnto.go.jp |
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| 12 As a tribute to the contributions of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit to the people of Thailand, her birthday has not only been declared a public holiday, but also Mother’s Day. This is commemorated with candle-lighting ceremonies and firework displays nationwide. www.tourismthailand.org |
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| 14-16 Surfers from over 15 countries will ride the waves off Phuket’s Kamala Beach in the Quiksilver Thailand Surf Series 2009. Athletes from across Asia will compete on long and short boards with special categories for kids and women. www.thaisurfseries.com |
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| 20 onward The Salt Project at Ho Chi Minh City’s Galerie Quynh is an installation by artist Nguyen Phuong Linh (right) on the inhabitants of salt-producing villages along Vietnam’s coastline. www.galeriequynh.com |
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| 14-16 Th is year’s Samui Film Festival brings a roll of independent films to the island from around the world. Under the themes of nature and spirit, the lineup includes films from Ethiopia (Tesfaye’s Story) and India (Temples in the Clouds) as well as Laya Project (pictured), a documentary which looks at the folk music of tsunami-affected coastal communities in Thailand, the Maldives, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and India. www.samuifilmfestival.com |
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