A New Gen movement is an interesting social phenomenon where they started to ask questions and challenge many societal issues including traditions, beliefs, and cultures that have been passed down through generations. They are not trying to disregard or defy all the old traditions, what they do is bring it out and reinterpret it into their own. Though this might not see eye to eye with some adults, we have to admit these changes are inevitable. To keep its longevity is not to keep it in the most original form but it should allow some flexibility, ready for change suitable to the time, adjustable to the modern ideas and open space for the growth of people’s mindsets. Culture has been the main driving force of the creative society and economic growth, we would like to bring you some examples.

 

Laggard becomes Avant-garde 

Creativity happens from years of experience. Layers of the years, number of things around us that we have absorbed like culture, traditions and art. Many of them seem to have backwards elements that nobody paid attention to but they can become great ingredients for design ideas unexpectedly. Like in the case of “Himmapan Marshmello” (“หิมพานต์มาร์ชเมลโล่”) that went viral in 2020, it started with an image of Himmapan creatures someone found situated in the temples of southern and northern Thailand. The creatures have been sculpted roughly with simple features, not the typically detailed creatures you would see from a professional sculptor of such. This is because the sculptors are local people who are, despite the lack of academic knowledge, driven by their beliefs and helped out at their local temples. But in a way, these creatures look cute and cuddly, and people on the internet are drawn to it and it inspired many fanarts. The trend grew into baked goods, keychains, and models of these squishy creatures. It also brought about another trend where the new generations are turning their attentions to visiting more temples to see these creatures. Some were so interested in these Himmapan creatures that they would research further about their origin. Though the trend has died down, the Facebook group “Himmapan Marshmallow” is still pretty active. People are still sharing updated photos of the creatures at their temple visits. This has built our habits of observation around ourselves to find good ingredients for creating and creatively giving more value to relatively everyday things.

 

Design What’s Nearby and Take Creativity Even Further

One of the creativity’s integral functions is reviving something that may not have any value and turning it into something of economic value. Local ingredients and wisdom values are especially overlooked and gradually disappear. 

Stores like the “Citizen of Nowhere” are a contemporary design store with a slogan of “Artisanal Products made by local craftsmen.” The store focuses on using local ingredients and local artisans in Thailand for production. Their handbags are made of local reed plants, “saad kok”, and the local weaving technique specific to Chanthaburi province in their modern and bold designs. Other than shining light on new possibilities in the local wisdom, it also distributes income to the locals as well. The mastermind behind the store is none other than Saran Yen Panya, a designer whose speciality is picking up what’s nearby and retelling its story through various designs. Something his designs have in common is his brilliantly sarcastic voice. People may have known him from his “Cheap Ass Elites” work that brought plastic fruit baskets, seen plenty in wet markets, and turned them into posh designs.

 

 

Culture-infused Entertainment, the Hits and Money Blast

You might remember a very popular Korean drama “Dae Jang Geum: A Jewel in the Palace”, then you know a tremendous wave of Korean culture influence from the series has brought about Korea’s travel and food industries. Fast forward to 2021, Korean drama series are still a great mechanism that infuses Korean culture that successfully presents Korean representations to the world.

 

Like the “Squid Game” phenomenon that catapulted a quiet traditional Korean snack “Dalgona” into stardom, there are many clips on YouTube demonstrating how to make it. Or a heavy hitter K-drama like “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha”, a story about a dentist who moved out of Seoul City to Gongjin, a small fishery village filled with romantic air and warmth from the villagers helping each other out. Not only is the dreamy character of “Hong Leader” a great asset that stole every girl’s heart, but the series also helped spread travel waves outside the urban city of Seoul that have reached a point. The selling move is pretty successful because it is reported that during the Korean Chuseok holidays, a significantly large number of travellers travelled to Pohang, the series shooting site location.

 

If you are interested in seeing the connections between culture and the creative economy in many aspects. You cannot miss Bangkok Design Week 2022 under the theme “Co With Creation” on 5-13 Feb 2022. We have interesting designs for you to see, where culture and local resources are being reinterpreted. We guarantee you will get inspired by these creative works at the festival.

 

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