I’m Not Sorry For My Bad Handwriting ลายมือไม่สวยฉันก็ไม่สน

Juli Baker and Summer

Artemin Gallery

ลายมือไม่สวยฉันก็ไม่สน (lai mue mai suay chan gor mai son) is the first solo exhibition by Juli Baker and Summer in Taipei, inspired by the moments of writings and small spaces on a piece of letter paper. Letters are historical evidence that is both personal and intimate while also being a therapeutic act. Letters convey emotions and feelings and sometimes serve as a safe space allowing freedom in writing thoughts.

This collection of nine paintings is like a personal archive, inspired by nine actual letters that hold significant meaning to the artist. They range from letters written to oneself, letters from old friends, love letters, a letter read at a grandmother’s funeral, a letter to the guerrilla girls activist group, letters to political prisoners, an important letter in Thai history that brought the artist to tears, and sparked her interest in the origins of the lack of freedom of expression in the society she lives in.

Juli hopes this show invites you to explore the history of your own letter-writing and invites everyone to dream of a society where we can speak our minds openly without needing to hide it in a letter (unless we want to write one, of course).

(The artist wishes to use this show as a tribute to the late activist Netiporn ‘Boong’ Sanehsankhom, who advocated for freedom of expression and passed away from a hunger strike in prison on May 14, 2024.)