Number 1 Gallery Bangkok. is proud to present  The Human Clay  by Australian artist Diane Mantzaris and Thai artist Vasan Sitthiket. Both  are artists and social activists. They believe in the power of art to change the consciousness of society. They are acutely aware of social inequality and they continue to be active in protesting against discrimination and disparity in society. They are not afraid to hold a mirror up to society, even if the reflection is not pretty. They gaze unflinchingly into the depths of society’s problems and create works which are cautionary, subversive and beautiful. They are both very concerned about the ways governments seek to censor artists. Consequently, their works are often viewed as ‘difficult’. For example, despite persistent effort they were unable to stage this exhibition anywhere within Australia, which perhaps speaks volumes of the ultra-conservative nature of Australian public venues.

This exhibition brings the artists together for the first time in eighteen years. They first met when Mantzaris had an artist residency nearly two-decades ago. They have remained firm friends.

Both artists emerged in the early 1980s and quickly rose to prominence in their own countries.

Mantzaris’ use of digital technology during a period when it was the domain of the freakish few, and an almost exclusively male domain at that, was both brave and revolutionary. Mantzaris was seriously addressing the computer's new potential for making an art that would be accessible to the masses. In her native Australia she is regarded as an important pioneer. Her work is held in public and private collections within Australia and internationally.

Mantzaris is no stranger to public protest, having been a key player in Occupy Melbourne recently. She has also been a vocal champion of the art students of RMIT University in their protests about the diminishing quality of their course.

In one of the most striking images from the exhibition, Fountain of Eve, Mantzaris presents a seven-foot woman urinating. The work has been constructed Frankenstein-like from a variety of sources, including Classical statuary, religious imagery and the artist’s own body. It refers to both art history and the role of women in contemporary society. The image stands as the defiant protest of the individual against injustice and is meant to be seen as an inspirational image of power in adversity.

One of Thailand’s best known artists, the national treasure Vasan Sitthiket represented his country at both the 50th Venice Biennale and at the 2011 Singapore Biennale. In Brisbane, Australia he has participated in the Asia Pacific Triennials. His work is exhibited internationally and held in major public and private collections worldwide. The Queensland Art Gallery holds a significant body of his work which was donated by the late Peera Ditbunjong.

His powerful work has consistently dealt with disturbing aspects of society. He is a master in many areas of production, including drawing, painting, sculpture and performance.

The Human Clay is an important exhibition which is destined to provoke much discussion and debate. The exhibition will present the major themes these artists are renowned for over their long careers, such as the individual’s fight for equality; the role of big business in the destruction of the planet; refugees; the huge gulf between the haves and the have-nots; the outsider and the underdog.

The title of the exhibition refers to the fact that all human beings on the planet are bound together by their commonality and that they each deserve equality and quality of life. This is vitally important subject matter and it is a testament to the humanity of both artists that they have been willing to dedicate their entire art careers to it.

Diane would like to thank the people offering their support towards her participation including:Vasan Sitthiket, Number 1 gallery Bangkok, Sridee Korakot, Steve Cox and Jennifer Bowskill. Our families and communities in Australia and Thailand.