Whitewash

The majority of the artworks showcased in this exhibition were created during the 1990s, a period marked by Thailand’s socio-political and economic disintegration. The tumultuous events that plagued society, from the violent suppression of pro-democracy protests during the Black May 1992 uprising to the economic crisis that triggered the collapse of the regional financial system in the early 2000s, served as a backdrop to Kanya’s artistic expression.

Amidst the diverse interplay of visual elements, one stands out with striking clarity: the pervasive presence of “white.” Despite the riot of colors scattered across the background, it is white that asserts its dominance upon initial glance. It imparts a sense of tranquility and gentleness to the overall composition, standing in stark contrast to the underlying intensity of the events that served as inspiration.

The frequent appearance of white evokes the concept of “whitewashing,” both in its literal sense of applying white paint to cover elements within the picture and in its metaphorical connotation of attempting to conceal or diminish the severity of wrongdoing. In this artistic endeavor, the wrongdoing in question could be interpreted as the enduring tragedies and irregularities that plague Thai society, often stemming from unseen mechanisms operating in the background. Kanya’s white, in this context, serves as a veil, obscuring the “deep state” from view beneath the captivating aesthetics of abstract art.

These artworks stand as profound reflections of Kanya Charoensupkul’s deeply contemplated emotions. Her psyche, deeply affected by the reverberations of countless narratives, has been meticulously explored and examined, culminating in visual expressions that resonate in poetic harmony with the societal context.

Exhibition period: 4 June – 7 July 2024 at Matdot Gallery
Opening reception: 4 June, 18.00h