Ancestral sounds and mushrooms: New exhibition awakens nature in Chiang Mai!

Ancestral sounds and mushrooms: New exhibition awakens nature in Chiang Mai!

Something exciting is happening in Chiang Mai: The new exhibition “Fungi In Your Headlights” by Arnont Nongyao and the NooN Collective invites art lovers and nature lovers to experience the fascinating connection between humans and nature in a very special way. The show is part of the TAAHM project, funded by the British Council's International Collaboration Grants. TAAHM, phonetically for the Thai word for cave, evokes memories and emotions by imitating the sound of a drum beat.

Visitors can look forward to an immersive experience in the Panic Room (DC Collection), where the exhibition is on view until October 31, 2025. The Panic Room is open from Wednesday to Sunday, between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. These artworks are more than just visual representations - they are based on intensive field research at the UNESCO Global Geoparks of the English Riviera in Torquay and the Satun UNESCO Global Geopark in Thailand. When the two artists went into the cool depths of the caves, they explored an environment that holds many secrets and transformed their experiences into their works of art.

An interactive sound experience

A highlight of the exhibition are the innovative sound installations. As soon as they enter, guests are greeted by speaker-shaped wooden panels that emit mystical sounds such as mountain echoes and other non-human entities. Particularly notable is the installation “Singing Of Taahms,” which opens visitors to a whole new world in the darkness while listening to the sounds of caves. Another part of the exhibition, “Mushroom Ocean (No Lyrics),” offers the opportunity to sit comfortably on beach benches and enjoy a variety of sounds.

The artistic exchange with nature can be felt through the work “Urai Thong Cave Live”, which deals intensively with non-human sounds. The interpretation of fungi in the installation “Domhnain” also captivates visitors and opens up new perspectives on the world of fungi.

A connection to geological treasures

What many people don't know is that this exhibition is not just an art event, but also part of a larger, global context. The UNESCO Global Geoparks in which the artists have conducted research are special geographical areas with significant geological sites and landscapes. They take a holistic approach to protection, education and sustainable development. The aim is to connect the geological heritage with the cultural heritage of the region and to promote awareness of important social issues.

This includes the sustainable use of resources, climate change and the reduction of risks associated with natural disasters. The UNESCO Geoparks not only strengthen local awareness, but also promote a sense of regional identity and pride.

But the exhibition not only offers in-depth insights, but is also a platform for innovative local companies. Geotourism activities create new sources of income and high-quality training programs that support the local population.

Overall, the exhibition “Fungi In Your Headlights” impressively shows how art, nature and the search for knowledge are interwoven. A visit to the Panic Room is definitely worth it - not only art but also a piece of natural history comes to life here.

For further information and impressions of the exhibition, visit the websites of the Bangkok Post, Thailand TV and Thailand Geoparks.