Project Statement

by T. Shaw

I am Siam is a witty book of travel photographs throughout Southeast Asia involving the characters Funo-Tqua, Shuph, Nathah, Nicuchaphi, and Dwan, each of whom are played by the same man. Each episode in the book consists of a photograph with an often humorous caption. These episodes are further described through an icon system of circles and squares. The graphic icons relate to the cultural value of each character in the episode: too much East, too little East, too much West, too little West. This book is a great example of the Westernizing of the East through entertainment and economic imports. Rutkovsky's project is to show globalization's affect on individuals and cultures in a uniquely funny manner of social documentary.

I Am Siam

Paul Rutkovsky

Agents

Paul Rutkovsky

type: initiating

role:
artist
photographer
author
designer

dates:
publication: 1984-00-00

Visual Studies Workshop

type: initiating

role:
printer
publisher

Aesthetic Profile

movement:
popular culture (AAT)

subject:
artists' books (LCSH)

themes: Globalization [T. Shaw]

content form:
documentary (local)

publication tradition:
artists' book (local)

inspiration: Westernizing of Eastern Culture [T. Shaw]

related works: Other of the artist's books such as Get More and Commodity Character. [T. Shaw]