The Darkness: Body Painting and Costume Design Showcase 2024

Abstract

This article aims to study body art painting and costume design works created by students from the Department of Performing Arts (Theatre Arts and Creative Entrepreneurship), Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, as part of the 14^th Body Painting and Costume Design 2024. The exhibition is centered around the theme of "Darkness", a concept developed through a collaborative brainstorming process involving faculty members and artists to establish a foundational idea and sources of inspiration for the design works. Students are encouraged to research and interpret the notion of darkness as a conceptual framework, which they may refine into sub-themes either collectively or individually. The research methodology employed in this study is qualitative, incorporating document analysis, an examination of the students’ design processes, direct observation, interviews, and the collection of photographic and video documentation of both the design works and the exhibition’s presentation.

From the analysis of the body painting works created by first-year students, a total of 30 artworks were identified and categorized into three sub-themes: (1) Darkness in Film, (2) Darkness and Cultural Differences, and (3) Darkness and Thai Spiritual Entities. The majority of students interpreted darkness through cinematic characters, narratives, spiritual beliefs, ghosts, and supernatural elements. The design characteristics predominantly featured subdued color palettes with an emphasis on intricate line work to highlight the unique identity and distinctive attributes of each character. Meanwhile, the costume design works created by second- and third-year students were developed under the primary theme of The Darkness of Bangkok, further divided into three sub-themes: (1) Social Class Divisions, (2) Cultural Diversity, and (3) The Fast-Paced Urban Lifestyle. A total of 34 costume pieces were produced, with students exploring a diverse range of materials and presentation techniques. The construction methods focused on craftsmanship and handmade techniques rather than conventional pattern-making. Many designs incorporated recycled and upcycled materials for costume creation. The use of color varied significantly—some adhered to a dark, monochromatic scheme to align with the overarching concept, while others employed vibrant hues to effectively convey the sub-themes, creating visually compelling interpretations.

The exhibition was held at Ultra Arena, 5th floor, Bravo BKK. In addition to showcasing student works, the event featured body art presentations and fashion design works by creative entrepreneurs, including alumni, artists, and professional networks affiliated with the program. The exhibition documentation included recorded performances, behind-the-scenes footage of the creative process, and interviews with artists, fashion brand designers, models, and influencers, all of which were disseminated through online platforms. This initiative contributed to public relations efforts and the establishment of a distinctive program identity within a broader audience. Furthermore, the project served as a platform for generating professional design knowledge while enhancing students' artistic performance skills and fostering their creative entrepreneurial capabilities effectively.