I Am an Artist (He Said)

A new peer-reviewed imprint celebrates the diverse voices and genres of writing that create the discourse of art in Southeast Asia, including artist writings, art criticism, and experimental approaches to the image. Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook's book of essays is an insider account of Southeast Asia's contemporary artists being catapulted into international circuits since the 1990s, combining art criticism, feminist theory, art pedagogy, gossip, and autofiction.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 25 April 2023
Publisher: various Singapore publishers

This new, peer-reviewed imprint celebrates the diverse voices and genres of writing that create the discourse of art in Southeast Asia, both historically and in the present. Going beyond conventional art history, books in this imprint include compilations of artist writings, art criticism, and experimental approaches to the image.

"To be an artist is … just like shit in a clogged toilet, stubborn shit that can't decide whether it wants to be flushed or to stick around," writes acclaimed artist Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook. Composed as an irreverent dialogue between masculine and feminine narrators, this book of essays is an fusion of art criticism, feminist theory, art pedagogy, gossip, and autofiction. It presents an insider account of Southeast Asia's contemporary artists being catapulted into international circuits since the 1990s. Araya's provocative prose is translated from Thai for the first time by Kong Rithdee.

The imprint's mission is to provide a platform for artists and writers to explore the complex and multifaceted nature of art in Southeast Asia, challenging traditional narratives and promoting new perspectives. By publishing a wide range of works, from critical essays to experimental poetry, the imprint seeks to foster a deeper understanding of the region's artistic heritage and its contemporary manifestations.

In addition to its publishing program, the imprint also organizes events and exhibitions to showcase the work of its authors and artists. These events provide opportunities for audiences to engage with the material in new and innovative ways, and to connect with the broader artistic community in Southeast Asia.

Overall, this new, peer-reviewed imprint is a vital contribution to the field of art history and criticism, and to the broader discourse of art in Southeast Asia. By celebrating the diversity of voices and genres that shape the region's artistic landscape, the imprint seeks to inspire and empower artists and writers to push the boundaries of what is possible in the field.

Weight: 740g
Dimension: 230 x 160 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811823961