There are moments when we are reminded of the Thai proverb, “The good medicine tastes bitter.” This saying deeply reflects both the journey of life and the shared cultural experience many Thais have with traditional herbal remedies. Childhood memories of being handed a cup of bitter herbal medicine by one’s mother become an act of love — a form of care that relies on trust and understanding. Though the taste is bitter, its healing power embodies a deeper, genuine expression.

The proverb inspires the artist collective: Pann Singharaj, Yaard, Sara Ananrojwong and Chaba Wangsirilert to create the art installation “Bitter Sweet,” an immersive sensory installation, presented in the upper-level space of Bai Hor, a traditional Thai herbal store. The space invites audiences to step into the world of Thai medicinal herbs, from their organic forms and intriguing names to their healing properties, which are reimagined and transformed into modular structures.

Inspired by the traditional Thai floral-garland weaving technique and the distinctive scents of Thai herbs, the installation creates a hierarchy of forms suspended from the ceiling down to body level. These patterns follow the journey of herbs and Thai products, highlighting materials commonly used in Bai Hor’s remedies. 

Specific herbs are showcased as individually woven units, honouring the raw ingredients that have long been essential to Thai households. Layered with light, sound, and scent, the installation cultivates a multi-sensory environment that encourages restoration and introspection. It invites visitors to pause, unwind, and return to a state of self-care.

The Sound Ambience, composed by Pann Singharaj, enriches the installation with an immersive auditory experience. Inspired by the sounds of the 1985 Bai Hor advertisement. This soundscape enhances the sense of place, comprising Bai Hor Thai traditional medicine and Thai conservative remedies. The composition is brought to life through speaker systems by Mahori Handcraft, the designer of modular speakers.