The recent Bangkok exhibition, “Constellation of Complicity: Visualising the Global Machinery of Authoritarian Solidarity,” has come under scrutiny after being altered due to pressure from the Chinese Embassy in Thailand. The exhibition, which featured artists from Tibet, Hong Kong, and the Uyghur diaspora, was modified to protect diplomatic relations between Thailand and China.
According to emails reviewed by Hyperallergic, the curators of the exhibition made changes to the show in response to concerns raised by Chinese officials. Some of the censored works addressed China’s treatment of Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic groups. The Bangkok Art and Culture Center (BACC), where the exhibition was held, received support from the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority, a public agency.
In an effort to de-escalate tensions, the BACC staff decided to alter works by artists from Hong Kong, Tibet, and the Uyghur diaspora. This included blacking out names and text in the artworks. The exhibition, curated by the Myanmar Peace Museum, also featured artists from Iran, Russia, and Syria.
The situation escalated when Chinese officials and Thai police visited the museum, prompting the curators to flee the country. Tibetan artist Tenzin Mingyur Paldron, known as Doc Tenzin, revealed that several pieces in his installation were altered under pressure. Uyghur and Tibetan flags were blacked out, and three films he worked on were removed from the exhibition.
One of the censored artworks was a graphic by artist Liz Hee comparing China and Israel’s surveillance and repression of Muslim communities in their respective territories. Doc Tenzin emphasized the importance of standing up against censorship and protecting the arts and artists from undue influence.
The altered exhibition has sparked a conversation about the role of museums and the freedom of artistic expression. Despite the challenges faced by the BACC, artists like Doc Tenzin are determined to ensure that their works are seen, heard, and discussed. It remains to be seen how this incident will impact future exhibitions and artistic freedom in Thailand.
Hyperallergic has reached out to the artists involved, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and BACC for further comments on the matter. The controversy surrounding the exhibition highlights the delicate balance between artistic expression and diplomatic relations in the global art world.
