Bangkok – Eat Me Restaurant is proud to present Richard Skene’s exhibition of contemporary art, entitled “The Road of Excess leads to the Palace of Wisdom”, in Bangkok from July 30, 2013 – August 30, 2013 with an opening reception on Tuesday, July 30 from 5:30-8:00 pm.
In addition to having a Thai flavour, a common theme of Richard’s collection is the “pursuit of happiness”, which is one of the three “unalienable rights” in the United States of America’s Declaration of Independence and a key principle of Buddhism.
That such superficially conflicting forces of capitalism and religion share the same destination suggests the path to happiness may not be straightforward, and short cuts may be counterproductive.
For example: while Thailand is a welcoming, tolerant and spiritual place, Bangkok provides abundant opportunities for hedonism. So, like the Yin-Yang, the “City of Angels” is a centre of energy, within which seemingly contrary but complementary forces co-exist. Those who deviate from the true path may, after a period of trial and error, reach the same conclusion as William Blake, who wrote “The Road of Excess leads to the Palace of Wisdom”.
Richard’s art therefore deals with a variety of diverse and conflicting subjects, including peace & violence, love & sex and hope & fear. In short, the collection represents a visual journey: from Hedonism to Buddhism in Bangkok.
The result is a stimulating and provocative collection, comprising graphic design, photography, video and light installations. The artworks are beautifully simplified and stylised, incorporate wit and wisdom, and reveal influences from Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst and Roy Lichtenstein.
Richard was born in Aberdeen, Scotland and lives in Bangkok, Thailand.
“I first came to Thailand as a backpacker in 1990 and returned to work in Bangkok in 1995. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working in Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui for over 8 years, so have a close affinity with Thailand and a great respect for Thai culture. As many of the artworks were inspired by my observations and experiences of living in the Kingdom, it’s appropriate that my first exhibition takes place in Bangkok. I am delighted that Eat Me agreed to sponsor my exhibition as I believe the restaurant’s contemporary style and funky character complements my collection,” says Richard Skene.
Situated between the infamous Patpong red light district and religious center Christ Church, Eat Me Restaurant and Gallery offers a unique location, which coincidentally and respectively represent the “Road of Excess” and “Palace of Wisdom”.
“The Road of Excess leads to the Palace of Wisdom” will run through August 30, 2013. Guests are welcome to attend the opening reception on Tuesday, July 30 from 5:30 – 8:00 pm. Eat Me Restaurant and Gallery is located 20 metres off Convent Road (in Soi Pipat 2), Silom. Opening hours are daily from 3:00 pm – 1 am.
For more information please visit richardskene.com or contact Yvonne Liang, +668 6533 0402, yvliang555@gmail.com
