'What can art do today? With entrenched paternalist power structures and hyper-capitalist economic restructuring, economic, political and social realities in Thailand are characterised by dramatic inequalities that deny a dignified life to many. In this constellation, like elsewhere, culture has become a core battleground for social domination. Contemporary art is deeply implicated in this struggle: exhibitions like the Bangkok Art Biennale and institutions like the system of the National Artist promote benevolent images of national identity and mobilise consumerist desire. This radical appropriation transforms artistic practices into advertisement domains of consensual soft power, where critical gestures are easily neutralised. However, art also supports counter-hegemonic opposition aimed at more hopeful futures – inside and outside formal art institutions. Acknowledging that art can thus be both deeply coercive and absolutely emancipatory, this book is an invitation for ‘militant engagement’ through eight texts on art and politics from authors around the world. Can art be a practice of hope in Thailand? Should artists continue to participate in formal institutions? Can artistic practices become an integral part of protest movements? Come and join the discussion at the inappropriate BOOK CLUB!

The inappropriate BOOK CLUB is a reading group on art and politics that takes place on eight Saturdays from 3 April until 22 May 2021 at Talk-Talk-Vilion, an event of the Bangkok Biennial.'— description from editors