Photo Diary: Reflections on Lab X Residency by Nammon Welployngam and Palm Ratanasatien
London marked the first city of our Lab X residency, offering an incredible starting point with its rich history, world-renowned museums, galleries, and collections. For us, it was a dream come true to see, in person, the artworks we’d only studied in books.
As artists, we (Palm and Nammon) have been creating and collaborating since 2007. Our practice focuses on community art, socially engaged projects, and interactive works that use art as a tool for social movement. This residency was a significant opportunity to expand our practice, connect with like-minded individuals, and explore new ideas in a global context.
Toynbee Studio became a key part of our experience. The multifunctional building, which includes a dance studio, meeting rooms, and even a courtroom, reflects a commitment to creative expression. One space that truly stood out was the quiet room—a serene, minimalist environment for rest and reflection. Its simplicity resonated with us, offering a peaceful moment amidst our busy schedule.
The building itself blends historical architecture with modern functionality, creating a relaxed yet inspiring environment for creative work. We were also inspired by the artwork on display, such as Anna Maria’s piece, which sparked new reflections when revisiting it after a meaningful discussion.
Our journey to the Bexhill-on-Sea and St. Leonard’s brought us into contact with an inspiring group of individuals and organizations who are using art as a powerful tool for social change. Through engaging conversations and meaningful exchanges, we were able to broaden our perspectives and deepen our understanding of how art can influence and transform society.
One fascinating realization was that participatory art remains a relatively new concept within this context. This insight offered us fresh perspectives on the possibilities of this approach and how it could further shape and enhance our own artistic practice. These experiences not only expanded our thinking, but also reaffirmed the transformative potential of art in driving social impact.
Nammon saw Somerset House as an ideal place for collaboration. Its thriving artist community and emphasis on providing an environment for focused, long-term research and work make it a perfect platform for artistic growth. She also appreciated Spike Island for its vibrant artist community and outstanding facilities, which foster both creativity and deep contemplation.
Palm was particularly drawn to MAYK’s energy and their commitment to working with local communities and artists in Bristol. Their vision for community-focused art festivals aligns closely with her own ideas. The connection between their practice and Palm’s concept of community art festivals makes MAYK an exciting partner for future collaborations. Similarly, the Wellcome Collection resonated with her interest in interdisciplinary work combining art, mindfulness, healthcare, and medicine. She sees this as an avenue to deepen the impact of her community art projects, making them not only more meaningful and effective but also innovative in addressing real-world issues.
Both Palm and Nammon found significant inspiration in their encounters with the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) and the Live Art Development Agency (LADA). The ICA stood out for its vibrant, community-focused energy, offering an atmosphere brimming with fresh ideas and innovative approaches to contemporary art. The people they met at ICA were not only inspiring but also reflective of a thriving, dynamic art community that aligns with their values and practices.
Similarly, LADA left a profound impact with its exceptional library and archive of art materials. For Palm and Nammon, this resource was a treasure trove of inspiration, offering an extensive collection that deepened their understanding of several art practices and provided invaluable material for research. The wealth of knowledge housed within LADA reinforced the importance of preserving and documenting artistic endeavors, catalyzing their creative explorations.
One of the most impactful aspects of our residency was meeting a variety of organizations that inspire and align with our artistic values. We visited so many different places – both in England and Wales – and met a lot of people including architect Nina Netuzhylova, as well as artists Tiffany Singh, Sitraka Rakotoniaina, Andrew Friend, and Tuck Muntarbhorn. We cooked, ate, and shared many meals together. The most memorable meal was the Christmas dinner with the Artsadmin team on our final night of the residency. Beyond being a festive celebration, it was a time of connection, creativity, and gratitude. This moment captured the essence of what art communities can achieve when collaboration and support are prioritized.
Lab X has been an eye-opening experience. Being in the actual spaces, meeting the people behind these organizations, and learning about their work firsthand allowed us to see things from new perspectives. It expanded our understanding of the boundless nature of art and reinforced its power to drive meaningful change.
From sharing meals to exchanging ideas, every interaction enriched our journey. We are immensely grateful for the connections we’ve made and the opportunities this residency has opened for future collaborations.
London has been an extraordinary start, and we look forward to carrying these experiences into the next stages of our artistic journey.
Find out more about the amazing art spaces and organizations that we visited during Lab X: Brixton House, Sadler’s Wells, Del La War Pavilion, Afri-co-Lab, Home Live Art, Spike Island, Mayk Festival at St. Anne’s House, Bristol Old Vic, Arnolfini, British Library, Roundhouse, Battersea Art Centre, Somerset House Studios, Live Art Development Agency, Wellcome Collection, Institute of Contemporary Arts, and artist Simon Birch from the 14th Factory.
* Special thanks to the supportive and hardworking teams at Artsadmin, Creative Migration and the British Council for making Lab X a reality!
Lab X is a pilot artistic residency and cultural exchange between Thailand and the UK, supported by the British Council’s Connections Through Culture programme. It sits within Artsadmin’s artist support programme Lab, a micro residency designed to provide artists with time, space, and money to develop their practice, without expectation of delivery.
Artsadmin and Creative Migration, an international arts organisation based in Los Angeles and Bangkok, have co-designed this nine-month artist development programme, to confront the profound challenges faced by artists and producers working internationally. Click here to find out more.