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Phattharakorn Singthong: “Consequences of the World and Life'”
“Phattharakorn Singthong and his latest exhibition ‘Consequences of the World and Life,’ which is a sequel of the artist’s showcase which previously hold at the newly opened art space, in Chiang Mai-Noname Art Gallery. This exhibition features a collection of large-scale abstract artworks that about 10 meters long, filled with narratives of the exploration of the essence of nature, the axioms of the world . The exhibition now can be appreciated at ICONSIAM in Bangkok.
The free form lines and shape in canvases, some adorned with colors while others are in bold black and white. The elongated canvases create an impression as if these lines are seeking to embark on a journey in search for value meaning of something.
The Origins of Exhibitions
“It all started when I began contemplating that there should be a deeper purpose beyond mere creation and commercialization of artworks. During that time, my works were in demand. As soon I just started my sketch, there was a client. However, as I delved deeper into this idea, I almost completely stopped creating artworks for a period of seven years, (from around June 2010 to 2016.)” Singthong shared about background of this exhibition.
He further added that during that period, he devoted his time to writing books and studying about many ideas such as buddhism, the laws of nature, truth, and the nature of the world. These concepts became a powerful source of inspiration for creating this series of artworks.
“Before, I have worked in various forms (Singthong graduated with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Fine Arts, majoring in painting from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Chiang Mai University). During that time, as I began to understand nature, I felt a sense of ease. I started using free form lines more frequently. This exhibition is like an anecdote of the natural world that I have witnessed and conveyed through various artworks. I did not focus on aesthetics or artistic principles or any specific artistic guidelines. I see it as a narrative of nature that I have discovered and learned from.”
Truth of Nature via Artistic Form
During the conversation, Singthong did not emphasize to defy any artistic genre or size or shape or element of his work . However, he viewed his creative process as a merely discovery of the truth of nature.
“In this artwork (‘Consequences of the World and Life 2), it reflects my way of learning from nature. Before my art creation, sometime I would define the truth of nature, record what I learned, and recollect my understanding. The characters that seem readable but are actually unreadable in this artwork are like short notes, narratives, and records of what I found in nature.” Singthong described the artwork in the Calligraphy-style painting, measuring 10 meters in length and almost 3 meters in height..
In this artwork, if you observe carefully, the upper part of the fabric on the left side, there are yellowish marks. These marks are not colors or brushstrokes but rather natural stains and smudges that have found their way into his artwork.
“I often work in a longan orchard. One day, rain fell on the fabric, and I didn’t think it needed cleaning. As I mentioned, it’s a nature. This circular shape in this painting can represents longan, the world, the moon, and the sun. It can represents everything because, in nature, everything is the same”
“Does this mean it’s about letting go and not clinging?” Tae Art Man asked.
“Yes, exactly,” Singthong replied.
At that moment, it immediately sparked my thoughts on the first step I entered the exhibition. I saw various artworks displayed separately with distinct names assigned to each piece. However, I didn’t feel that they were separate artworks. Everything looked seamlessly connected as one… Or perhaps, it was because sometimes if we overlook the defined definitions of meaning, what is right in front of us might reflect its hidden nature? (I encourage you to go and see for yourself)
For exhibition visiting, Singthong left a message, “I want visitor to perceive the nature and truth of this world through the artworks. Then, as they walk out, they will become more aware of this truth in everything around them, not limited to artworks alone. It could be various objects or people around them, and, ultimately, they will gain a deeper understanding of the nature of this world and find the path to happiness.”
Before concluding the interview, I asked Singthong his thoughts on the presence of AI in the art world.
“It’s a duality, with both positive and negative aspects, like shining and shade. It depends on how each individual uses it.”
Visit the ‘Consequences of the World and Life’
The ‘Consequences of the World and Life’ is now open for viewing from today until August 31, 2023 at Level 1, in the ICONLUXE Pop-Up Space, ICONSIAM, Bangkok. Admission is free. Singthong hinted that as the exhibition progresses in half period, some of the showcased artworks will be alternated around August 1, 2023.
Hoping you enjoy this article, you might like “Liu Kuo-Sung: A Master of Modern Chinese Ink Painting Presents a 70-Year Retrospective Exhibition” at National Gallery Singapore.
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