Find out how Jakkai Siributr helped front-line workers reliant upon the tourism industry when Covid-19 struck.

Christmas is a time associated with gift-giving and generosity. It’s also traditionally a time to be thankful for what we have and spare a thought for those less fortunate than ourselves.

This winter we have been reflecting on Jakkai Siributr’s Outworn series, currently on display at the gallery. The series focuses on three textiles woven together by the trials and tribulations of the pandemic. Like many other countries during the plight of Covid-19, Thailand’s tourism industry was struck hard and forced many people to lose their livelihoods including taxi drivers, spa workers and hotel staff. At the time, one of Jakkai’s assistants lived within a community that was greatly affected by the economic depression, and as such Jakkai sought to provide some financial aid in the form of purchasing their former uniforms. He bought clothing from motorcycle and regular taxi drivers, as well as street sweepers in Bangkok. He turned the uniforms into three tapestries (see images above), each one representing a profession. Each tapestry is embellished with talismans and circular silver and gold patterns. These patterns represent stickers that were issued to people at different checkpoints within venues, as part of a temperature check requirement for entry. This story is poetic and beautiful because by purchasing people’s old uniforms, Jakkai has turned these relics into a tapestry which share their experiences during a time of hardship around the world.

All three pieces in Outworn have been assembled by machine, with LD20 (the blue taxi driver uniforms) and BC20 (the street sweeper uniforms) also having been stitched by hand. Running stitch can be seen marking paths in reds, oranges, pinks and yellows across the two pieces, interspersed with artificial marigold flowers, metallic stickers, plastic beads and talismans. The talismans remind us of how we turn to ritual and superstition when we find ourselves in dire situations. Airborne (Klongtoey), is comprised of deconstructed orange vests refashioned into facemasks- bringing to mind another way people came together for the sake of others.

To us, Outworn symbolises concern for our fellow human beings. The series, like this Advent calendar project, began during a time many of us hasten to forget. One project began as a way for an artist to provide much needed economic assistance. The other, Whitworth Advent, a more light-heated affair and much less serious affair, was born out of a desire to spread a little cheer during what promised to be an especially difficult festive season for many.

We hope you have enjoyed our little Advent calendar, which will remain here for you to view whenever you wish at A Place Between the Trees- the home of the Whitworth’s Visitor Team.

Now all that’s left for us to do is to sign off and wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

-Jason and Steph