Making The Disappeared Appear, 2023

A FIVE-CHANNEL VIDEO INSTALLATION WITH SOUND 20:09 MIN


"Making the Disappeared Appear" explores the intricate interplay between geopolitics, human societies, and the natural world in Chiang Rai province, Thailand. This five-channel video installation intricately weaves narratives that unveil the delicate balance of past and present political conflicts, ecosystems, and cultures. The project addresses the silent disappearance of animals from the region, swept away by geopolitical disputes, societal changes, and relentless urban development.

Through the landscape and ecosystem transformation lens, the project narrates the stories of five key species: rhino, elephant, kingfisher, Asian cat, and the Mekong Delta. These narratives are enriched by the oral histories of various ethnic groups, including the Lanna people, crafting "small narratives" that vividly portray these species' stories. Traditional Lanna music and the art of 'Joysor' storytelling infuse these tales with cultural richness, highlighting the profound shifts in the region's ecological and cultural fabric.