Thai Art Exhibition

A Photo Exhibition : RAM
by Luke Cassady-Dorion
on June 5 - July 30, 2010
at Kathmandu Photo Gallery, Bangkok

Like a stage drenched in the sunlit sweat of dreams of equal opportunity, Luke Cassady-Dorion’s interior photographs of Ramkamhaeng University’s innards grip our attention utterly. From the day he became a ‘Ram’ student,’ he knew a photography project would grow from it. He felt compelled to show “how the city is really used, specifically the parts used by the populace as they go about trying to better themselves through education. In stark contrast to Bangkok’s consumer throw-away culture, every object there gets every last drop of use sucked out of them.”



Artist’s statement
From the first day that I started classes at Ramkhamheang University, I knew that a photography project would grow out of it. I had been in Thailand for two years at that point, and had never seen anything quite like the university. In offering education to over 100,000
students at an affordable price, Ram mixes architecture and technology representing close to 40 years of development. In stark contrast to Bangkok's consumer throw-away culture, buildings, computers, satellites, TVs have ever last drop of use sucked out of them.



So many people experience a sheltered version of Bangkok, not venturing past the reach of the Sky Train or a few polished tourist attractions. I wanted to show how the city is really used, specifically the parts used by the populace as they go about trying to better their lives through education.



Ram's democratic approach to education opens the door to students of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds from across Thailand. With no entry exam, and no attendance or homework requirements, students sink or swim by their own initiative – which helps explain why Ram graduates are renowned for their diligence.

A student’s learning experience depends very much on the choice of course. Popular courses are taught in huge educational theaters of 300 students or more, plus an online audience, making student-teacher relationships extremely difficult. While more obscure classes are wedged into any available space; intimate, engaging and sweaty.

Bio
Originally from USA and now living full-time in Bangkok, Luke Cassady-Dorion, divides his time between making art, studying a Bachelor's Degree at Ramkhamheang and teaching yoga. This is his fourth photography exhibit in Bangkok, and his second solo-show. He is
currently working on a book about the changes in his life since he started practicing yoga, fully illustrated with his photographs.



So many people experience a sheltered version of Bangkok, not venturing past the reach of the Sky Train or a few polished tourist attractions. I wanted to show how the city is really used, specifically the parts used by the populace as they go about trying to better their lives through education.

Ram's democratic approach to education opens the door to students of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds from across Thailand. With no entry exam, and no attendance or homework requirements, students sink or swim by their own initiative ? which helps explain why Ram graduates are renowned for their diligence.

A student?s learning experience depends very much on the choice of course. Popular courses are taught in huge educational theaters of 300 students or more, plus an online audience, making student-teacher relationships extremely difficult. While more obscure classes are wedged into any available space; intimate, engaging and sweaty.

Bio
Originally from USA and now living full-time in Bangkok, Luke Cassady-Dorion, divides his time between making art, studying a Bachelor's Degree at Ramkhamheang and teaching yoga. This is his fourth photography exhibit in Bangkok, and his second solo-show. He is
currently working on a book about the changes in his life since he started practicing yoga, fully illustrated with his photographs.

source : http://www.kathmandu-bkk.com