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ASEAN Animals: Depictions of Animals in ASEAN Arts & Cultures

The ACH’s special exhibition, ASEAN Animals: Depictions of Animals in ASEAN Arts & Cultures, opened to the public on April 30. The exhibition begins with an introduction to symbolic animals of ASEAN’s 10 member states and continues in three sections: Animals and Everyday Life in ASEAN, Animals as Subjects of Awe and Worship, and Mythical Animals in ASEAN.
The exhibition features not only photos and videos but around 100 artworks, including traditional handicrafts, that depict ASEAN-related animals. Works by media artists are expected to be especially sought out and include a motion graphic video, by media artist Hanjin Cho, on ASEAN proverbs that mention animals, and a large screen artwork by a team of four media artists (Dongjoo Seo, Caroline Reize, Rooah, Ken Pyun) that blends the sounds of a bronze drum from ancient Viet Nam and nature with dream-like, mystical animal imagery. In addition to the artworks, visitors can learn that the animals carved onto the diverse buildings in ASEAN countries are all imaginary animals that live in Himavanta, a forest mentioned in many Southeast Asian legends. Through this exhibition, held at the ACH’s Special Exhibition Gallery until August 1, visitors are able to experience the fascinating world of ASEAN’s amazing animals.