nonexistent bodies are spherical, 2 0 1 9

Nipan is interested in the stories of the Front Palace site in its current incarnation as a museum, sourcing inspiration directly from a specific object that literally reflects its history: the Mercury Ball (Permanent collection of the National Museum). The Mercury Ball was popular in Europe during the 19th-20th century, and this specific Mercury Ball is believed to have been a tribute from a European King to Second King Pinklao. The Mercury Ball presented creates a dialogue with two curved steel circles with engraved ‘Lao Phaen' lyrics, in the Thai and Lao language.This artwork was installed within Isara Winitchai Throne Hall at the National Museum Bangkok.