Using audiovisual media as the central format in his practice, Taiki Sakpisit has been exploring Thailand’s turbulent history and the political tensions and violence that persist in the country to this day. His films stand out for their masterful cinematography, combined with eloquent editing and immersive sound design—a combination that creates an intense sensory impact, leading to a phenomenological experience of what is being shown.
The Spirit Level (2023) is a 21-minute film, in both black-and-white and color, that subtly yet disturbingly evokes a state of apprehension. A timer marks the passage of time as images of waterways and syncretic religious elements unfold, culminating in a spiritual ritual performed by a medium and concluding with scenes from a slaughterhouse. In this work, Sakpisit addresses the violent deaths of three anti-government activists whose mutilated bodies were found in the Mekong River in northeastern Thailand in 2019.
Charlene Cabral
Taiki Sakpisit (Thailand, 1975) is a filmmaker and visual artist. His works delve into contemporary Thailand's underlying tensions, conflicts, and anticipations, meticulously crafted through precise and sensitive audiovisual editing. Using diverse sounds and images, Sakpisit creates immersive experiences that challenge conventional narratives and provoke thought. His feature film The Edge of Daybreak received the FIPRESCI Prize at the Rotterdam International Film Festival. His recent works have been exhibited at the Gwangju Biennale, the Busan Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Bangkok Art Biennale. He lives in Bangkok, Thailand.
