Jacky Tsai: Reincarnation
Museum of Contemporary Art, Bangkok

22nd Jun 2023

How can decay be beautiful? How is life regenerated? What does reincarnation mean in the contemporary context? For his first solo exhibition in Bangkok, Tsai brings his most iconic works including his skulls and his newly created works reflecting covid and post covid life. Capturing the essence of a lost time and the ultimate wish for a splendid and normal life ahead, Tsai brings 37 works to MOCA’s exhibition space along with a life size train featuring his work, greeting the audiences in the entrance hallway.

Reincarnation is the concept that the non-physical essence of living beings begins a new life after death. Death is not the end of existence, it leads to a new beginning. Tsai’s skulls represent the idea that decay isn’t something to be afraid of, on the contrary, it should be celebrated as it gives opportunity to new lives as bright as blooming flowers. This notion of looping cycle of growth leads Tsai into his new series of works which features covid and post-covid sentiments. Full of motifs and satire of an absurd and awakening time, Tsai reflects our collective experience in a troubled era and the eagerness to embrace a wondrous yet different life.

The exhibition also centers around Tsai’s reflection on self image as well as his identity as an artist and a craftsman. By inserting his self-portrait into many of his works, he appraises himself through the drastic shifts of reinventing one’s image. Like Tsai’s new Tibetan carpet work The Lonely Knitter, portraying himself weaving in progress, yet in actuality, the portrayed him was woven in the same way.