Silence Party was an activity that created a neutral space where participants were able to share languages, experiences, ideas and identities. This exchange was done through a simple, interactive structure. The structure consisted of participants gathered in a circle, sometimes around a table or on floor mats. A massive piece of paper was placed in the middle of the circle on top of which sat snacks and writing tools. The participants were then invited to use these materials to communicate, for an unlimited time, with each other within an intimate space.
The first public activity was held at Chiang Mai University Art Center and shown live on Super Eukabeuk Channel (an internet gallery developed by the Danish artist group Superflex). It combined around 50 – 60 participants, including members from the National Association of the Deaf in Northern Thailand and participants of diverse nationalities.
After this episode, the work moved to other venues including Chiang Mai School for the Deaf, Faculty of Fine Arts, Chiang Mai University and the alternative art space Umong Sippadhama (later became The Land Foundation).
Year: 2002 – 2003
Dimension: variable
Materials: mats, papers, pens, markers, pencils, basic sign language dictionaries, food, drinks
Venue: Umong Siphadhama, Chiang Mai University Art Center, Chiang Mai School for the Deaf.