May 2010

MARCOS MALINOWSKY MY LIFE IN THE ORIENT
an exhibition & silent auction of the objects of tribal nature

May 21-30, 2010

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In 1979 I opened Studio 702, a company that specialized in creating objects of art along with utilitarian designs, primarily out of glass and acrylic. These materials are sometimes also known as Lucite or Plexiglas. In October of 1987, in the midst of my strong fascination with these materials, I went to Poland to make the "Acrylic & Glass" exhibition. The event became an instant hit. The opening was standing room only, and everything was sold in just a few days.

In retrospect, I believe that one of the major reasons for the success was the fact that all of my work was done in two mediums that were not widely known or used at the time. Poland was just emerging from the dark shades of communism, eager to embrace capitalism along with modern technology. Perhaps, apart from substance alone, most of the artists and art lovers who viewed this presentation were impressed by the heavy gauges of glass and thick acrylic, which opened new horizons of imagination and possibilities.

Why do I bring a long forgotten event to your attention today?

I believe there is an interesting similarity between the "Acrylic and Glass" event that took place thirty years ago and the new soon to be open "My Life in the Orient" exhibition at The Society for Arts in Chicago. However, before I explain this connection, let me ask you a question. If you live in the Chicago area, how often do you get a chance to see women dressed in tribal outfits working long hours on the edge of a sidewalk, stitching or embroidering vibrant colors on pieces of silk, cotton or hemp?

You would probably say never, and this is well understood.

After all, in your city almost every slightly unusual activity requires a permit, license or certification. This method of control does not apply however to the life I now live in the city of Chiang Mai located in northern part of Thailand, near the famous Golden Triangle where this "country of smiles" shares borders with Laos and Burma.

Here, in Chiang Mai -along with thousands of resident Thai people, tourists from the rest of the world, temples, colorful markets, fabulous places to eat, and year round almost perfect weather - I've chosen to stay "permanently" for the last several years.

There is also another aspect of life here which has gradually become an object of my fascination. Northern Thailand is home to many interesting and colorful ethnic minorities, known as the hill tribes. Most of them have migrated here during the last hundred years from Asian interiors and have largely preserved their way of life. This preservation makes them a fascinating cultural phenomena. They prefer living high in the mountains, shy away from the outside world, yet they often come into the city to sell their ethnic products. Unlike you, I see many women embroidering or stitching very beautiful ornaments on the streets of my town and although I see this process practically every day it sill fascinates me.

What is then the connection between the event from the past and my upcoming exhibition?

Just like years ago, I captured the interest of Poles with my fascination of acrylic and glass, now I like to do same thing with you by bringing to your attention the world whose existence you most likely are unaware in its full volume.

Hope that some of you will share my fascination.

Thank you and see you at the show,
Marcos Malinowsky