Where did the idea for Rock Around Asia come about and what is the concept?
The idea for Rock Around Asia came about in 2010 when the founder, Eric Monteil, took a seven-month motorcycle ride around South East Asia.
During this trip he came across talented artists and artisans who were living in very rural areas and weren’t getting any mainstream representation. So he connected with them, settled in Bangkok and launched Rock Around Asia to represent them in 2011.
This idea – of giving mainstream representation to underrepresented artists – has been the defining characteristic of what we do. Our latest project, which just launched about three months ago, concerns emerging artists in Thailand. We’ve built an online platform (www.emerging-artists-thailand.com) where we have created the Internet’s largest available database of emerging Thai artists.
Will you have any exhibitions or events?
Although we started our platform online, our intention has always been to complement it with exhibitions and events. Last Friday, we actually had our Grand Opening exhibition at our new location in Thong Lor, featuring a number of the artists off our platform.
It was awesome; a very social atmosphere and lots of people really engaging with the artworks. We will definitely be having a number of different exhibitions and events in the near future, both in our own space and in other spaces around Bangkok.
What do you offer at Rock Around Asia?
We basically offer everything you need to purchase and explore art. As all of our artists and services are online, we provide a really easy way to make art-purchasing decisions without having to run all over the city looking for artworks.
What do you think about the Bangkok art scene?
Bangkok’s art scene is a constant process of discovery and exploration. Not everything is on the surface, and the further you dig into it, the more amazing things you’ll find.
We have many parties on Koh Phangan, how would you describe the Bangkok party scene?
Most of the parties I attend are actually art gallery openings, so I may not be the best person to ask!
But I will say that I’ve attended art gallery-related parties of all kinds – from chilled out and social, to high-end and elegant, to underground beer tasting expos.
What’s the best thing about Bangkok?
I thought I’d throw this question out to each of the team members at Rock Around Asia.
Eric Monteil (Founder and CEO): The best thing about Bangkok is the Rattanakosin spirit along the river. The Old Thai way of life.
Jirattaya Martwijit (Artist Coordinator): My favourite thing about Bangkok is that whatever I’m looking for, I will find. It’s convenient.
And for me, my favourite thing about Bangkok has to be the excitement of exploring the city.
I feel like I’m always finding new cozy bars, art galleries in tiny lanes and delicious restaurants.
Sum up Rock Around Asia in 4 words...
Art, Innovation, Discovery, Emerging.
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