Skip to content

apichatpong weerasethakul

apichatpong weerasethakul - courtesy of the artist

apichatpong weerasethakul

1970, Bangkok, Thailand

Working in the space between cinema and contemporary art, Apichatpong Weerasethakul creates installations, videos, short and feature films that are often non-linear and transmit a strong sense of dislocation and otherworldliness. Through the manipulation of time and light, Weerasethakul constructs tenuous bridges for the viewer to travel between the real and the mythical, the individual and the collective, the corporeal and the chimeric. Over the years, the majority of his projects have involved many of the same actors, which has allowed him to capture different phases in their lives and their experience of ageing. Frequently set in rural Thai villages and forests, his films traverse an extremely personal territory, inviting the viewer to enter the subjective world of memory, myth, and deep yearning. By using unconventional narrative structures, expanding and contracting the sensation of time, and playing with ideas of veracity and linearity: Weerasethakul’s work sits comfortably in a world of his own making.

In 1994, Weerasethakul earned his BA in architecture from Khon Kaen University in Thailand. In 1998, he received his MFA in Filmmaking from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, as well as an Honorary Doctorate from the same institution in 2011. In 1999, he co-founded Kick the Machine Films, a company that has produced many of his own films as well as other experimental Thai films and videos that could not find support under the established Thai film industry. The French Government named him Chevalier de l'ordre des arts et des lettres and Officier de l'ordre des arts et des lettres in 2008 and 2011, respectively. His art projects and feature films have won him widespread recognition and numerous festival prizes, including three from the Cannes Film Festival: A Certain Regard for Blissfully Yours in 2002, Prix du Jury for Tropical Malady in 2004, and Palme d'Or for Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives in 2010.

Apitchatpong Weerasethakul lives and works in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Selected Works

Selected Works Thumbnails
the vapor of melancholy, 2014

lightjet print on duratrands, lightbox

31.5 x 47.24 in.

 

 

the vapor of melancholy, 2014

lightjet print on duratrands, lightbox

31.5 x 47.24 in.

 

 

Inquire
primates' memories, 2014

lightjet print on duratrands, lightbox

39.37 x 59.06 in.

 

 

primates' memories, 2014

lightjet print on duratrands, lightbox

39.37 x 59.06 in.

 

 

Inquire
the importance of telepathy, 2012

sculpture: pu foam, acrystal and semi matt lacquer, steel framing; 150 wind chimes: caked clay, synthetic fiber string; 30 army hammocks from thailand

installation view at documenta 13, kassel, 2012

 

 

the importance of telepathy, 2012

sculpture: pu foam, acrystal and semi matt lacquer, steel framing; 150 wind chimes: caked clay, synthetic fiber string; 30 army hammocks from thailand

installation view at documenta 13, kassel, 2012

 

 

the importance of telepathy, 2012

sculpture: pu foam, acrystal and semi matt lacquer, steel framing; 150 wind chimes: caked clay, synthetic fiber string; 30 army hammocks from thailand

installation view at documenta 13, kassel, 2012

 

 

the importance of telepathy, 2012

sculpture: pu foam, acrystal and semi matt lacquer, steel framing; 150 wind chimes: caked clay, synthetic fiber string; 30 army hammocks from thailand

installation view at documenta 13, kassel, 2012

 

 

dilbar, 2012

single-channel video installation, hd digital, b&w, 16:9, dolby 5.1

10:00 min (loop)

installation view at sharjah 11, sharjah united arab emirates, 2013

 

 

 

dilbar, 2012

single-channel video installation, hd digital, b&w, 16:9, dolby 5.1

10:00 min (loop)

installation view at sharjah 11, sharjah united arab emirates, 2013

 

 

 

dilbar, 2012

single-channel video installation, hd digital, b&w, 16:9, dolby 5.1

10:00 min (loop)

 

 

dilbar, 2012

single-channel video installation, hd digital, b&w, 16:9, dolby 5.1

10:00 min (loop)

 

 

power boy, 2011

from for tomorrow for tonight project

giclée prints with dibond backing

59.06 x 88.58 in.

 

 

 

power boy, 2011

from for tomorrow for tonight project

giclée prints with dibond backing

59.06 x 88.58 in.

 

 

 

Inquire
for tomorrow for tonight, 2011

installation consisting of 4 single channel videos, 5 photographs, 2 powered speakers, ceramic tiles

 

for tomorrow for tonight, 2011

installation consisting of 4 single channel videos, 5 photographs, 2 powered speakers, ceramic tiles

 

blow up (from primitive project), 2009

archival print, mounted on di-bond

57.76 x 87.4 in.

 

 

blow up (from primitive project), 2009

archival print, mounted on di-bond

57.76 x 87.4 in.

 

 

phantoms of nabua, 2009

single channel installation, digital, 16:9, dolby 5.1, color

10:56 min looped

 

 

phantoms of nabua, 2009

single channel installation, digital, 16:9, dolby 5.1, color

10:56 min looped

 

 

primitive, 2009

video installation consisting of 6 independent single channel videos and 2 syncronised channels

installation view at fact (foundation for art and creative technology), liverpool, united kingdoom 2009

 

 

primitive, 2009

video installation consisting of 6 independent single channel videos and 2 syncronised channels

installation view at fact (foundation for art and creative technology), liverpool, united kingdoom 2009

 

 

primitive, 2009

video installation consisting of 6 independent single channel videos and 2 syncronised channels

installation view at musée d'art moderne de la ville de paris, 2009

 

 

primitive, 2009

video installation consisting of 6 independent single channel videos and 2 syncronised channels

installation view at musée d'art moderne de la ville de paris, 2009

 

 

primitive, 2009

video installation consisting of 6 independent single channel videos and 2 syncronised channels

installation view at the new museum, new york united states, 2009

 

 

primitive, 2009

video installation consisting of 6 independent single channel videos and 2 syncronised channels

installation view at the new museum, new york united states, 2009

 

 

primitive, 2009

video installation consisting of 6 independent single channel videos and 2 syncronised channels

 

 

primitive, 2009

video installation consisting of 6 independent single channel videos and 2 syncronised channels

 

 

petch (from the primitive project), 2009

giclée print

57.87 x 87.4 in.

 

 

petch (from the primitive project), 2009

giclée print

57.87 x 87.4 in.

 

 

unknown forces, thailand / united states 2007

4 screen installation, digital, 16:9, dolby 5.1, color

various lengths, loops

 

 

unknown forces, thailand / united states 2007

4 screen installation, digital, 16:9, dolby 5.1, color

various lengths, loops

 

 

unknown forces, thailand / united states 2007

4 screen installation, digital, 16:9, dolby 5.1, color

various lengths, loops

 

 

unknown forces, thailand / united states 2007

4 screen installation, digital, 16:9, dolby 5.1, color

various lengths, loops

 

 

emerald (morakot), thailand / japan 2007

cinema version and single screen installation, digital, 16:9, dolby 5.1, color

11:50 min (looped)

 

 

emerald (morakot), thailand / japan 2007

cinema version and single screen installation, digital, 16:9, dolby 5.1, color

11:50 min (looped)

 

 

emerald (morakot), thailand / japan 2007

cinema version and single screen installation, digital, 16:9, dolby 5.1, color

11:50 min (looped)

 

 

emerald (morakot), thailand / japan 2007

cinema version and single screen installation, digital, 16:9, dolby 5.1, color

11:50 min (looped)

 

 

mysterious object at noon / dogfahr nai meu marn, thailand, 2000

35mm (blown up from 16mm), 1,85:1, dolby surround, black and white

83:00 min

 

 

mysterious object at noon / dogfahr nai meu marn, thailand, 2000

35mm (blown up from 16mm), 1,85:1, dolby surround, black and white

83:00 min

 

 

mysterious object at noon / dogfahr nai meu marn, thailand, 2000

35mm (blown up from 16mm), 1,85:1, dolby surround, black and white

83:00 min

 

 

mysterious object at noon / dogfahr nai meu marn, thailand, 2000

35mm (blown up from 16mm), 1,85:1, dolby surround, black and white

83:00 min

 

 

blissfully yours / sud sanaeha, thailand / france, 2002

35mm, 1,66:1, dolby surround, color

126:00 min

 

 

blissfully yours / sud sanaeha, thailand / france, 2002

35mm, 1,66:1, dolby surround, color

126:00 min

 

 

blissfully yours / sud sanaeha, thailand / france, 2002

35mm, 1,66:1, dolby surround, color

126:00 min

 

 

blissfully yours / sud sanaeha, thailand / france, 2002

35mm, 1,66:1, dolby surround, color

126:00 min

 

 

blissfully yours / sud sanaeha, thailand / france, 2002

35mm, 1,66:1, dolby surround, color

126:00 min

 

 

blissfully yours / sud sanaeha, thailand / france, 2002

35mm, 1,66:1, dolby surround, color

126:00 min

 

 

tropical malady / sud pralad, thailand / france / germany / italy 2004

35mm, 1,85:1, dolby surround, color

118:00 min

 

 

tropical malady / sud pralad, thailand / france / germany / italy 2004

35mm, 1,85:1, dolby surround, color

118:00 min

 

 

tropical malady / sud pralad, thailand / france / germany / italy 2004

35mm, 1,85:1, dolby surround, color

118:00 min

 

 

tropical malady / sud pralad, thailand / france / germany / italy 2004

35mm, 1,85:1, dolby surround, color

118:00 min

 

 

syndromes and a century / sang sattawat, thailand / austria / france

35mm, 1:1.85, dolby surround, color

105:00 min (approx)

 

 

syndromes and a century / sang sattawat, thailand / austria / france

35mm, 1:1.85, dolby surround, color

105:00 min (approx)

 

 

syndromes and a century / sang sattawat, thailand / austria / france

35mm, 1:1.85, dolby surround, color

105:00 min (approx)

 

 

syndromes and a century / sang sattawat, thailand / austria / france

35mm, 1:1.85, dolby surround, color

105:00 min (approx)

 

 

uncle boonmee who can recall his past lives / lung boonmee raluek chat, united kingdom/ thailand / germany / france/ spain 2010

35mm (blown up from super 16mm), 1,85:1, dolby surround, color

113:00 min

 

 

uncle boonmee who can recall his past lives / lung boonmee raluek chat, united kingdom/ thailand / germany / france/ spain 2010

35mm (blown up from super 16mm), 1,85:1, dolby surround, color

113:00 min

 

 

uncle boonmee who can recall his past lives / lung boonmee raluek chat, united kingdom/ thailand / germany / france/ spain 2010

35mm (blown up from super 16mm), 1,85:1, dolby surround, color

113:00 min

 

 

uncle boonmee who can recall his past lives / lung boonmee raluek chat, united kingdom/ thailand / germany / france/ spain 2010

35mm (blown up from super 16mm), 1,85:1, dolby surround, color

113:00 min

 

 

uncle boonmee who can recall his past lives / lung boonmee raluek chat, united kingdom/ thailand / germany / france/ spain 2010

35mm (blown up from super 16mm), 1,85:1, dolby surround, color

113:00 min

 

 

uncle boonmee who can recall his past lives / lung boonmee raluek chat, united kingdom/ thailand / germany / france/ spain 2010

35mm (blown up from super 16mm), 1,85:1, dolby surround, color

113:00 min

 

 

the vapor of melancholy, 2014

lightjet print on duratrands, lightbox

31.5 x 47.24 in.

 

 

the vapor of melancholy, 2014

lightjet print on duratrands, lightbox

31.5 x 47.24 in.

 

 

primates' memories, 2014

lightjet print on duratrands, lightbox

39.37 x 59.06 in.

 

 

primates' memories, 2014

lightjet print on duratrands, lightbox

39.37 x 59.06 in.

 

 

the importance of telepathy, 2012

sculpture: pu foam, acrystal and semi matt lacquer, steel framing; 150 wind chimes: caked clay, synthetic fiber string; 30 army hammocks from thailand

installation view at documenta 13, kassel, 2012

 

 

the importance of telepathy, 2012

sculpture: pu foam, acrystal and semi matt lacquer, steel framing; 150 wind chimes: caked clay, synthetic fiber string; 30 army hammocks from thailand

installation view at documenta 13, kassel, 2012

 

 

the importance of telepathy, 2012

sculpture: pu foam, acrystal and semi matt lacquer, steel framing; 150 wind chimes: caked clay, synthetic fiber string; 30 army hammocks from thailand

installation view at documenta 13, kassel, 2012

 

 

the importance of telepathy, 2012

sculpture: pu foam, acrystal and semi matt lacquer, steel framing; 150 wind chimes: caked clay, synthetic fiber string; 30 army hammocks from thailand

installation view at documenta 13, kassel, 2012

 

 

dilbar, 2012

single-channel video installation, hd digital, b&w, 16:9, dolby 5.1

10:00 min (loop)

installation view at sharjah 11, sharjah united arab emirates, 2013

 

 

 

dilbar, 2012

single-channel video installation, hd digital, b&w, 16:9, dolby 5.1

10:00 min (loop)

installation view at sharjah 11, sharjah united arab emirates, 2013

 

 

 

dilbar, 2012

single-channel video installation, hd digital, b&w, 16:9, dolby 5.1

10:00 min (loop)

 

 

dilbar, 2012

single-channel video installation, hd digital, b&w, 16:9, dolby 5.1

10:00 min (loop)

 

 

power boy, 2011

from for tomorrow for tonight project

giclée prints with dibond backing

59.06 x 88.58 in.

 

 

 

power boy, 2011

from for tomorrow for tonight project

giclée prints with dibond backing

59.06 x 88.58 in.

 

 

 

for tomorrow for tonight, 2011

installation consisting of 4 single channel videos, 5 photographs, 2 powered speakers, ceramic tiles

 

for tomorrow for tonight, 2011

installation consisting of 4 single channel videos, 5 photographs, 2 powered speakers, ceramic tiles

 

blow up (from primitive project), 2009

archival print, mounted on di-bond

57.76 x 87.4 in.

 

 

blow up (from primitive project), 2009

archival print, mounted on di-bond

57.76 x 87.4 in.

 

 

phantoms of nabua, 2009

single channel installation, digital, 16:9, dolby 5.1, color

10:56 min looped

 

 

phantoms of nabua, 2009

single channel installation, digital, 16:9, dolby 5.1, color

10:56 min looped

 

 

primitive, 2009

video installation consisting of 6 independent single channel videos and 2 syncronised channels

installation view at fact (foundation for art and creative technology), liverpool, united kingdoom 2009

 

 

primitive, 2009

video installation consisting of 6 independent single channel videos and 2 syncronised channels

installation view at fact (foundation for art and creative technology), liverpool, united kingdoom 2009

 

 

primitive, 2009

video installation consisting of 6 independent single channel videos and 2 syncronised channels

installation view at musée d'art moderne de la ville de paris, 2009

 

 

primitive, 2009

video installation consisting of 6 independent single channel videos and 2 syncronised channels

installation view at musée d'art moderne de la ville de paris, 2009

 

 

primitive, 2009

video installation consisting of 6 independent single channel videos and 2 syncronised channels

installation view at the new museum, new york united states, 2009

 

 

primitive, 2009

video installation consisting of 6 independent single channel videos and 2 syncronised channels

installation view at the new museum, new york united states, 2009

 

 

primitive, 2009

video installation consisting of 6 independent single channel videos and 2 syncronised channels

 

 

primitive, 2009

video installation consisting of 6 independent single channel videos and 2 syncronised channels

 

 

petch (from the primitive project), 2009

giclée print

57.87 x 87.4 in.

 

 

petch (from the primitive project), 2009

giclée print

57.87 x 87.4 in.

 

 

unknown forces, thailand / united states 2007

4 screen installation, digital, 16:9, dolby 5.1, color

various lengths, loops

 

 

unknown forces, thailand / united states 2007

4 screen installation, digital, 16:9, dolby 5.1, color

various lengths, loops

 

 

unknown forces, thailand / united states 2007

4 screen installation, digital, 16:9, dolby 5.1, color

various lengths, loops

 

 

unknown forces, thailand / united states 2007

4 screen installation, digital, 16:9, dolby 5.1, color

various lengths, loops

 

 

emerald (morakot), thailand / japan 2007

cinema version and single screen installation, digital, 16:9, dolby 5.1, color

11:50 min (looped)

 

 

emerald (morakot), thailand / japan 2007

cinema version and single screen installation, digital, 16:9, dolby 5.1, color

11:50 min (looped)

 

 

emerald (morakot), thailand / japan 2007

cinema version and single screen installation, digital, 16:9, dolby 5.1, color

11:50 min (looped)

 

 

emerald (morakot), thailand / japan 2007

cinema version and single screen installation, digital, 16:9, dolby 5.1, color

11:50 min (looped)

 

 

mysterious object at noon / dogfahr nai meu marn, thailand, 2000

35mm (blown up from 16mm), 1,85:1, dolby surround, black and white

83:00 min

 

 

mysterious object at noon / dogfahr nai meu marn, thailand, 2000

35mm (blown up from 16mm), 1,85:1, dolby surround, black and white

83:00 min

 

 

mysterious object at noon / dogfahr nai meu marn, thailand, 2000

35mm (blown up from 16mm), 1,85:1, dolby surround, black and white

83:00 min

 

 

mysterious object at noon / dogfahr nai meu marn, thailand, 2000

35mm (blown up from 16mm), 1,85:1, dolby surround, black and white

83:00 min

 

 

blissfully yours / sud sanaeha, thailand / france, 2002

35mm, 1,66:1, dolby surround, color

126:00 min

 

 

blissfully yours / sud sanaeha, thailand / france, 2002

35mm, 1,66:1, dolby surround, color

126:00 min

 

 

blissfully yours / sud sanaeha, thailand / france, 2002

35mm, 1,66:1, dolby surround, color

126:00 min

 

 

blissfully yours / sud sanaeha, thailand / france, 2002

35mm, 1,66:1, dolby surround, color

126:00 min

 

 

blissfully yours / sud sanaeha, thailand / france, 2002

35mm, 1,66:1, dolby surround, color

126:00 min

 

 

blissfully yours / sud sanaeha, thailand / france, 2002

35mm, 1,66:1, dolby surround, color

126:00 min

 

 

tropical malady / sud pralad, thailand / france / germany / italy 2004

35mm, 1,85:1, dolby surround, color

118:00 min

 

 

tropical malady / sud pralad, thailand / france / germany / italy 2004

35mm, 1,85:1, dolby surround, color

118:00 min

 

 

tropical malady / sud pralad, thailand / france / germany / italy 2004

35mm, 1,85:1, dolby surround, color

118:00 min

 

 

tropical malady / sud pralad, thailand / france / germany / italy 2004

35mm, 1,85:1, dolby surround, color

118:00 min

 

 

syndromes and a century / sang sattawat, thailand / austria / france

35mm, 1:1.85, dolby surround, color

105:00 min (approx)

 

 

syndromes and a century / sang sattawat, thailand / austria / france

35mm, 1:1.85, dolby surround, color

105:00 min (approx)

 

 

syndromes and a century / sang sattawat, thailand / austria / france

35mm, 1:1.85, dolby surround, color

105:00 min (approx)

 

 

syndromes and a century / sang sattawat, thailand / austria / france

35mm, 1:1.85, dolby surround, color

105:00 min (approx)

 

 

uncle boonmee who can recall his past lives / lung boonmee raluek chat, united kingdom/ thailand / germany / france/ spain 2010

35mm (blown up from super 16mm), 1,85:1, dolby surround, color

113:00 min

 

 

uncle boonmee who can recall his past lives / lung boonmee raluek chat, united kingdom/ thailand / germany / france/ spain 2010

35mm (blown up from super 16mm), 1,85:1, dolby surround, color

113:00 min

 

 

uncle boonmee who can recall his past lives / lung boonmee raluek chat, united kingdom/ thailand / germany / france/ spain 2010

35mm (blown up from super 16mm), 1,85:1, dolby surround, color

113:00 min

 

 

uncle boonmee who can recall his past lives / lung boonmee raluek chat, united kingdom/ thailand / germany / france/ spain 2010

35mm (blown up from super 16mm), 1,85:1, dolby surround, color

113:00 min

 

 

uncle boonmee who can recall his past lives / lung boonmee raluek chat, united kingdom/ thailand / germany / france/ spain 2010

35mm (blown up from super 16mm), 1,85:1, dolby surround, color

113:00 min

 

 

uncle boonmee who can recall his past lives / lung boonmee raluek chat, united kingdom/ thailand / germany / france/ spain 2010

35mm (blown up from super 16mm), 1,85:1, dolby surround, color

113:00 min

 

 

apichatpong weerasethakul - Artists - Kurimanzutto

notable solo exhibitions

Past exhibitions and screenings include: A Conversation with the Sun (VR), Theater der Welt/Theater of the World, Frankfurt and Offenbach, Germany (2023); The World of Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Film at Lincoln Center, New York (2023); Roots are Tentacles, Stadtkino Basel, Switzerland (2022); Periphery of the Night, Institut d’Art Contemporain Villeurbanne/Rhône Alpes, France (2021); Apichatpong Weerasethakul: The Serenity of Madness, Taipei Fine Arts Museum, Taiwan (2019), Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OKCMOA), OK (2018), Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD), Manila, Philippines (2017), School of the Art Institute of Chicago, IL (2017), Para Site, Hong Kong, China (2016), MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum, Chiang Mai, Thailand (2016); Apichatpong Weerasethakul. Luminous Shadows, Contemporary Art Centre, Vilnius, Lithuania (2018); Tate Film Pioneers: Apichatpong Weerasethakul: Mirages, Tate Modern, London (2016); Fireworks (Archives), SCAI The Bathhouse, Tokyo (2014); Photophobia, Stenersenmuseet, Oslo, Norway (2013); For Tomorrow For Tonight, UCCA Center for Contemporary Art, Beijing (2012) and Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), Dublin (2011); Primitive, New Museum, New York (2011) and Musée d'art moderne de la Ville de Paris (2009); Retrospektive Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Filmmuseum München, Munich, Germany (2009), among others.

selected group exhibitions and biennials

Past group exhibitions include: Downbeat: Denniston Hill at Marian Goodman Gallery, Marian Goodman, New York (2023); TODOS JUNTOS (All Together), kurimanzutto, New York, NY (2022); Building Romance, Toyota Municipal Museum of Art, Aichi, Japan (2018); SUNSHOWER: Contemporary Art from Southeast Asia 1980s to Now, Mori Art Museum, Tokyo (2017); BODY/PLAY/POLITICS, Yokohama Museum of Art, Japan (2016); Today is the day – 70th Memorial of Atomic Bombs in Hiroshima, Watarium Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo (2015); A Journal of the Plague Year. Fear, Ghosts, Rebels. SARS, Leslie and the Hong Kong history, KADIST, San Francisco, CA (2015), Arko Art Center, Seoul (2014) and Para Site, Hong Kong, China (2013); Thai Transience, Singapore Art Museum (SAM) (2012); Transformation, Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (MOT) (2010); The view from elsewhere, Sherman Contemporary Art Foundation (SCAF), Sydney, Australia (2009) and Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), Brisbane, Australia (2009); among others.

Weerasethakul has participated in various international biennials, including: Aichi Triennale 2022, Japan; International Art Exhibition at the 58th Venice Biennial (2019); 12th Gwangju Biennale, South Korea (2018); 14e Biennale de Lyon, France (2017); 20th Biennale of Sydney, Australia (2016); Sharjah Biennial 11, United Arab Emirates; dOCUMENTA (13), Kassel, Germany (2012); 6th Seoul International Biennale of Media Art (SeMA) (2010); Singapore Biennale 2008; 3rd Guangzhou Triennial, China (2008); 5th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT5), Brisbane, Australia (2006); IX Baltic Triennial of International Art, Vilnius, Lithuania (2005); 2004 Taipei Biennial, Taiwan; 1st T.I.C.A.B – Tirana International Contemporary Art Biannual, Albania (2001) and 7th International Istanbul Biennial (2001).

Videos