Opening on 21 April 2023, Bill Bensley – the artist – returns with a new show at the Four Seasons ART Space by MOCA Bangkok. Fans who enjoyed his LOVE CAMP EXPLORE DREAMS show at River City last year will recognize his trademark humor and bold colors. His new exhibition will be a departure from his previous show – both stylistically and literally, as Bill invites visitors to come travel the world with him and the ‘Faroese Knitting Club’ (FKC) – a convivial gang of wigged out folks that enchanted Bill for decades. The show is entitled The Faroese Chronicle and is an exuberant and witty collection of 38 pieces, that depict Bill’s worldwide adventures with the FKC.
Purpose
As always with Bill’s work (be it artistic or in hospitality), it has a meaningful purpose. 100% of Bill’s proceeds raised through the sale of the artworks will go directly to a variety of Shinta Mani Foundation outreach projects in Cambodia. Bill is extremely passionate about the Foundation and the important work that it does to make a real difference to the lives of local villagers and families in the communities in which Shinta Mani hotels operate.
Each artwork will be associated with specific projects and people – and buyers will see exactly who and/or what their purchase supports, even receiving updates on the project’s progress. Nine paintings will fund full-board scholarships for 27 students at the Shinta Mani Hospitality school – with half of them coming from the remote Tmor Rung community in Southern Cambodia (near Shinta Mani Wild), where opportunity is limited. Continuing the Foundation’s work to provide safe water, some paintings will contribute to developing pipe systems for direct water supply to the local community in the South Cardamom Forest as well as Kohler Water Filters, and Water Wells for families and communities. Other paintings will fund a series of micro-loans, as well as support a variety of causes for families in abject poverty such as bicycles for 4 schools, making it easier for the children to attend school. Speaking of schools – the local community school in Tmor Rung will be repaired, while a new English school in the Siem Reap area will be created. For donors wanting to maintain contact with the Foundation, they can get updates on the project’s progress that they are supporting through their purchases of the artwork to support the specific venture.
The exhibition will run from April 21st to 31 July 2023. Open all hours. A digital catalog is available for buyers to view and purchase from abroad.
Shipping will be organized by MOCA, however the artworks (1.2×1.2m each) are stretched on collapsible frames, allowing guests to take them with them immediately, as when rolled up they fit perfectly into a standard suitcase.