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Thai-Scots fusion at º£½ÇÖ±²¥

A unique fusion of Thailand and Scottish identities is on display at º£½ÇÖ±²¥ this week.

The global mix is part of an art installation created by final-year BA (Hons) Fine Art student Simon Wilson and is on display at our annual creative arts week - this year called ‘Bespoke.’ Simon, 21, from Roseworth, Stockton-on-Tees, has given the installation the title ‘Ethnic Fusion.’ Simon said: 'The project was inspired by my own cross-cultural identity, as my mother Metta is originally from Thailand while my Dad Alan has Scottish ancestry.

'I’ve come to appreciate Thailand by visiting the country many times with my parents, there’s a slower pace of life, although it is becoming more westernised. I wanted to show this in my installation, which features a sculpture, photomontage and screen print, all set within a museum theme.

'The sculpture represents a Thai warrior, Hamuman who is mentioned in a popular Thai story Ramanya. Only the warrior’s costume combines the Thai mask and battledress with traditional Scottish clothing, including a cloak and kilt. It also has branded trainers to show the impact of globalisation. There is also a recorded sound piece read by my mother in broken English, showing how she’s adapting Western speech and in fluent Thai. I’m looking forward to my parents and the public seeing the installation. I’d like the public to go away wondering what’s real and what isn’t real.'

After finishing his degree Simon is aiming for a master’s degree in animation or illustration.

The Bespoke Design and Fine Art exhibitions will take place in the Athena Building off Woodlands Road and the Cook Building, behind Borough Road.

Design exhibition The design exhibition showcases work by students in graphic design, illustration, multimedia and motion graphics, product design, furniture, interior architecture and interior design. The fine art exhibition features specialist expertise in painting, sculpture and print making and is also taking place on the second floor, Constantine Building. Both shows are free and open to the public from 10.00am to 4.00pm until Friday 21 May.

Other free Bespoke events taking place this week include performing arts, creative writing readings, media screenings and history talks, showcasing staff and student talent in the School of Arts & Media.

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