Flying Is Not Scary is a solo exhibition by juli baker and summer, the working name of Chanaradee Chatrakul Na Ayudhya, at River City Bangkok through 20 September 2026. It traces memories of her grandmother, first as caregiver, teacher and source of encouragement, then through a later reversal when the granddaughter became the caregiver.
The exhibition is free and open daily from 10am to 8pm at RCB Galleria 5 on the third floor. Its emotional centre is ordinary care: meals, laundry, illness, companionship and the often unseen work that lets another person grow. Allow time to look slowly rather than treating the gallery as a quick photo stop.
Why It Is Worth Considering
The show takes a private family relationship and opens it toward a wider social question: who made our movement possible through quiet daily labour? Juli Baker’s bright, direct visual language prevents the subject from becoming purely sombre. Visitors can encounter tenderness, grief, gratitude and role reversal without needing specialist art vocabulary. Flying is not Scary is most rewarding when the main reason for going matches the place, project or event rather than a generic popularity signal. Decide what a successful visit or decision would look like before spending time or money.
What To Expect
Expect paintings, colour, intimate narrative and a large soft sculptural presence rather than a chronological documentary display. The works may prompt personal memories of parents, grandparents or paid carers. Labels and layout can evolve during an exhibition, so let the objects and spatial rhythm guide the visit. Conditions vary with date, weather, inventory and operating needs, so treat this description as a planning frame rather than a promise that every detail will be identical on arrival.
Price And Value
Admission is listed as free. Budget instead for transport, food and any catalogue or shop purchase. Free entry makes a short first visit low risk, but it also means weekend galleries may become crowded. Do not buy merchandise merely as a substitute for spending time with the work. Compare the full cost for the actual group or buyer, including transport, food, service charge, tax, add-ons and cancellation exposure. The lowest headline is not always the strongest value.
Choose The Timing
Visit before 20 September. Weekday late morning or early afternoon may be quieter than a weekend, though there is no guaranteed empty period. Allow 45 to 75 minutes, then leave a gentle buffer afterward; the caregiving themes may deserve reflection rather than an immediate noisy appointment. Build a realistic buffer before and after the main activity. Spare time protects the plan when Bangkok traffic, queues, rain, transfers or local operations move more slowly than expected.
Getting There
River City Bangkok is at 23 Charoen Krung Soi 24 in Talat Noi. Taxi, app ride and Chao Phraya river transport can all work depending on origin and weather. From nearby piers or MRT areas, walking involves heat and uneven footpaths, so choose the last leg for the group. Save the destination in Thai and English, verify the final map pin and keep enough battery for navigation. Confirm the return journey before companions are tired or local transport becomes scarce.
Reserve Or Plan Well
Ordinary gallery entry does not appear to require a timed ticket, but groups, talks or special programmes should be checked separately. Teachers and carers bringing vulnerable participants should preview the themes and confirm access. Save the closing date and gallery number rather than relying on a social post. Keep written confirmations and review names, dates, party size, inclusions and cancellation terms. When no reservation is needed, save current opening information shortly before leaving.
Make It Comfortable
The exhibition addresses ageing, illness, loss and unpaid care. Visitors in active grief may want a companion or a shorter visit. The building is air-conditioned, but check lifts, seating and accessible routes for older family members. Photography rules should be read before using flash or posing close to work. Carry water where permitted, dress for the setting and tell companions about stairs, heat, noise, crowding or long transfers. Comfort planning is part of good value, not an afterthought.
Build A Better Visit
Talat Noi, the Chao Phraya river and nearby galleries can extend the day, but the emotional tone may suit one quiet cafe or riverside walk better than a dense checklist. Choose an extra stop where conversation is possible and avoid making a grieving companion rush. One well-matched extra stop is usually better than a long checklist. Leave room for food, rest and the unexpected so the core experience does not become a race.
Check Before Leaving
Verify that the show remains open through 20 September, daily hours, gallery location, photography rules and any private event closure. If visiting on the final weekend, arrive earlier and expect more people. Keep the venue’s current listing saved on the phone. Verify live hours, availability, access and every date-sensitive detail on the day. Contact the operator directly when one unanswered point would decide whether the journey or purchase is worthwhile.
Who It Suits
Flying Is Not Scary suits contemporary-art visitors, families reflecting on care and anyone interested in how personal memory becomes public art. It may be difficult for someone in fresh bereavement, and younger children may need a simple explanation before entering. People whose priorities differ should compare alternatives rather than treating popularity as proof of fit. A clear decision rule keeps this guide useful when plans change.
A Useful Final Filter
Flying is not Scary is a strong choice when its real character matches the reason for the visit or purchase. Reconfirm the essentials, keep the plan flexible and leave enough time to enjoy the experience rather than merely complete it. Small preparations protect the outcome without turning leisure, culture or travel into administration.
Practical Information
- Dates: 13 August to 20 September 2026.
- Hours: Daily 10am-8pm.
- Location: RCB Galleria 5, 3rd floor, River City Bangkok.
- Admission: Free.
- Map: Open in Google Maps
Keep Planning
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Questions
Who is the artist?
Juli baker and summer is the working name of Chanaradee Chatrakul Na Ayudhya.
What is the exhibition about?
The bond between the artist and her grandmother, caregiving and the role reversal later in life.
Is there an admission fee?
The current listing presents the exhibition as free.
When does it close?
20 September 2026.
