MISS

Tawatchai Somkong presents portrayals of trans women’s bodies through the visual language of the nude — a dimension rarely represented within the conventions of mainstream painting, which have long remained tied to binary definitions of “male” and “female”. In today’s world, however, society has moved far beyond such limitations. Advances in medical knowledge, alongside a growing awareness of identity rights, have transformed the body into a space in which individuals may freely choose, shape, and define their own sense of self.

Although Thailand took a significant step forward with the passing of the Marriage Equality Act, many issues surrounding transgender rights remain under discussion. One of the most prominent concerns is the legal recognition of gender titles and honorifics, reflecting how legislative progress may at times move more quickly than acceptance within broader social structures.

Through MISS, Tawatchai Somkong creates a space for both documentation and inquiry through the language of the nude. The artist focuses on the bodies of trans women — a community that has historically been absent from mainstream nude representation — and interprets them through a wide range of artistic approaches, including realism, Pop Art, Cubism, and his signature heavily layered impasto technique.

The title MISS itself carries a dual meaning: both the honorific used for women and the notion of absence or incompleteness. It reflects the position of trans women in Thai society, who may fully live and identify as women, yet still remain partially excluded from legal and social recognition. More than a presentation of images, the exhibition opens a space for ongoing conversations surrounding the body, identity, and the right to self-definition within contemporary society.

On view: 8 – 28 June 2026
Opening reception: Monday 8 June, 18:00 h