Tsam: The Divine Dance
River City Bangkok recently hosted a captivating exhibition titled “People and Their World: Tsam – The Dance of Gods,” featuring the stunning works of renowned photographer Jatenipat Ketpradit, also known as JKboy. Running from October 24 to December 5, 2023, the exhibition showcased a mesmerizing collection of photographs capturing the essence of the Khuree Tsam, along with artifacts from the Mongolian Mask Museum, insightful videos exploring the dance, and even a live Tsam recital.
This exhibition is part of the “People and Their World” project, a platform created by Ketpradit to shine a spotlight on captivating cultures from across the globe. In the past, this initiative has allowed him to immerse himself in the lives of various groups, such as the Mentawai of Indonesia and the Suri of Ethiopia. For this particular project, Ketpradit traveled through Mongolia, using his distinct photographic style to capture the beauty and grandeur of the Tsam dances, as well as the awe-inspiring Mongolian landscape. The result is a breathtaking portrayal of a facet of Mongolian art and culture that is often underrepresented in the contemporary art world.
The exhibition also pays homage to the Amarbayasgalant Monastery, often referred to as the ‘Monastery of Peace.’ Situated in Northern Mongolia, this majestic monastery, built between 1727 and 1737, holds deep cultural significance and is dedicated to the revered Buddhist leader, Zanabazar. The monastery’s tranquil setting and historical importance add richness to the context of the Tsam exhibition.
Through the “People and Their World: Tsam – The Dance of Gods” exhibition, River City Bangkok offered patrons a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty and cultural richness of the Khuree Tsam, providing a glimpse into a world that is both captivating and underrepresented in the contemporary art scene. The powerful photographs and artifacts showcased in the exhibition serve as a testament to the universal allure of dance, art, and spirituality, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries.
