What We Cannot Leave Keeps Waiting｜Wantanee Siripattananuntakul

As part of the LONGSTAY Program 2024–25, two artists—Kiral (Belgium) and Wantanee Siripattananantakun (Thailand)—undertook a three-month residency.

Wantanee focused her research and artistic practice on the themes of vacant houses, housing conditions, and economic disparity. Her project began with an interest in the significant differences between her home country, Thailand, and Japan in terms of the circumstances surrounding vacant houses. In Matsudo, she conducted interviews with property owners, and through research trips to Kyoto and Osaka, she further deepened her understanding of Japan’s vacant housing issues.

For the final presentation, she used an actual vacant house as the exhibition venue, presenting videos and materials developed from her research. The work reflects the challenges she encountered during her stay, as well as insights gained through dialogue and field research within the community. Through Wantanee’s perspective, the project offers a multifaceted view of contemporary social conditions in Japan.

Activities During the Residency
May 22: Interview with the Vacant House Utilization Promotion Office, Matsudo City Hall
May 25–31: Research trip to Kansai (Osaka and Kyoto)
June 3: Visit and interview at a vacant house (Honcho Yashima Residence)
July 1: Filming and owner interview at the same vacant house
July 2: Interview and documentation with a property owner in Matsudo whose house may become vacant
July 8: Visit to the Mayor and Vice Mayor of Matsudo
July 13: Additional interviews and filming related to vacant houses in Matsudo

LONGSTAY Program 2024–25 Exhibition
What We Cannot Leave Keeps Waiting
by Wantanee Siripattananantakun

Dates & Time:
Mon, July 21 (Public Holiday) 13:00–17:45
Tue, July 22 18:00–20:00

Venue 1: Tomosuba (Honcho Yashima Residence)
(6–3 Honcho, Matsudo)

Venue 2: PARADISE AIR, 7F