APCOM co-hosts Art Exhibition To Raise Awareness And Support Marriage Equality
Bangkok, 1 Dec 2018: Raising awareness and support of those seeking marriage equality in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT+) community, River City Bangkok, in collaboration with private collector and curator James Tong of 37TONG | 叁拾柒堂is pleased to present BEYOND SKIN | 心 · 目by NORM YIP exhibition in Bangkok.
The Thai Government’s cabinet in December 2018 approved the civil partnership bill which will then be passed to the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) for legislation approval. This would put the Kingdom of Thailand to become the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage to provide equal legal rights and protections to same-sex couples that has only been privileged to heterosexual couples.
Bangkok is regarded as one of the most LGBT+ friendly and advanced cities in Asia and as a result the curator is collaborating with River City Bangkok to host this exhibition as a kick-off preview ahead of the scheduled World Tour Exhibition debuted in New York City in June when World Pride takes place to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the gay civil rights movement, Stonewall.
"For the first time, my photography of Asian men will reach a wider international audience” said photographer/artist, Norm Yip. “The images tell of my search for acceptance, identity and beauty. It reveals my desires and longings as a man finding one’s self in the other.” The exhibition at RCB Photographers’ Gallery features 30+ photographs taken over a 20-year period beginning in 1999 to the present.
Norm Yip, an internationally acclaimed photographer, has long been an avid pioneer in the development of fine art Asian male photography. He established ‘The Asian Male Project’ which, through his lens, presents artistic images and thought-provoking messages. Light and shadow, combine with his love for the classical form, culminating in a superb collection of artistically photographic masterpieces. Yip’s fresh outlook has captivated both Asians and Westerners alike.
BEYOND SKIN | 心 · 目by NORM YIP is possible with the support of James Tong, a contemporary art collector who has relationships with many contemporary galleries and artists around the world. Tong founded 37TONG | 叁拾柒堂 in 2017 to sponsor and curate art projects that champion LGBT+ diversity and inclusion. His first art curation was picked as one of the Special Art Projects at the Affordable Art Fair in Hong Kong in May 2017. He believes leveraging the soft-power that the art industry offers will further this social movement for understanding and inclusion of the LGBT+ community.
Now that the Civil partnership bill is on the way for legislation approval with the Thai Government, the time is right for Thai people to openly discuss marriage equality. River City Bangkok, a space for contemporary art in Bangkok’s vibrant Creative District, is pleased to be a part of this constructive and positive mission by presenting the photography exhibition, BEYOND SKIN | 心 · 目by NORM YIP.
Ten percent of the purchase price from each photograph sold during the exhibition will be donated to APCOM Foundation, Thailand. APCOM advocates for issues on HIV particularly amongst gay men, and also to advance the rights, health and well-being of people of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression in Asia Pacific.
BEYOND SKIN | 心 · 目by NORM YIP is a thought-provoking insight into the Asian male form and lifestyle. Discover and express your support from April 10 until May 31 at RCB Photographer’s Gallery, 2nd floor River City Bangkok. Admission Free.
Contact:
37TONG | 叁拾柒堂: James Tong - [email protected]
Norm Yip Studio: Norm Yip - [email protected]
APCOM: Midnight Poonkasetwattana - [email protected]
River City Bangkok: Linda Cheng - [email protected]
ENDS
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