Solid Sound
2016–2024
“How can a painting make a sound?” This seemingly impossible question arose from a small spark of thought in Tawatchai’s mind—his desire to translate into painting the words of influential figures he had heard since childhood. Some of these quotations left him uncertain; he was never quite sure whether they were truly the original thoughts of those individuals or merely age-old proverbs and maxims, resurfacing in specific contexts to serve particular communicative purposes.
Regardless of their origins, when such words are spoken at the right time and in the right place, they become immortalised as famous quotes—sentences that resonate deeply with listeners, regardless of how much time has passed. Conversely, some words may require decades or even centuries before people come to recognise their true greatness and immense power.
It was not until 2016 that Tawatchai finally discovered a way to bring this seemingly impossible concept to life.
He selected the faces of influential figures from around the world—those whose words had left a lasting impact—and painted them onto large canvases. Over these portraits, he inscribed their famous quotations, encasing each letter in a series of continuous, expanding curved lines. These lines rippled outward like labyrinths, or the concentric waves formed when an object disturbs the surface of still water, creating an optical illusion. Whether the viewer saw the portrait clearly or found it blurred depended on their perspective—on whether they chose to focus on the text or the image.
The radiating lines surrounding the words visually represented “sound waves,” illustrating the steady vibration of air that carries speech. Since these words continued to be remembered and referenced throughout human history, their resonance was not only physical but also intellectual. The act of reading these powerful phrases triggered a ripple of thoughts within the individual, transforming an ordinary portrait into a narrative—into what Tawatchai envisioned as a painting with sound.
I shall reign with righteousness
for the benefits and happiness of the Siamese people, 2016
Oil on canvas
155 × 115 cm
If the people do not abandon me,
then how could I abandon them?, 2016
Oil on canvas
170 × 140 cm
Mao Zedong, 2021
Oil on canvas
170 × 140 cm
Deng Xiaoping, 2021
Oil on canvas
170 × 140 cm
Rodrigo Duterte, 2021
Oil on canvas
170 × 140 cm
Donald Trump, 2022
Oil on canvas
170 × 140 cm
Albert Einstein, 2018
Oil on canvas
170 × 140 cm
Steve Jobs, 2021
Oil on canvas
170 × 140 cm
B. R. Ambedkar, 2022
Oil on canvas
170 × 140 cm
Mahatma Gandhi, 2022
Oil on canvas
170 × 140 cm
Rabindranath Tagore, 2022
Oil on canvas
170 × 140 cm
Abhakara Kiartivongse, 2022
Oil on canvas
170 × 140 cm
Chit Phumisak, 2021
Oil on canvas
170 × 140 cm
Seub Nakhasathien, 2021
Oil on canvas
170 × 140 cm
Puey Ungphakorn, 2021
Oil on canvas
170 × 140 cm
Luang Por Khun, 2022
Oil on canvas
170 × 140 cm
Lisa, 2021
Oil on canvas
170 × 140 cm
Ark Fongsmut, 2024
Oil on canvas
170 × 140 cm
As time went on, Tawatchai sought to create even more paintings with sound. He began to explore the hypothesis that the power of words did not always stem from their literal meaning. Instead, it was the context in which they were spoken—and the identity of the speaker—that gave them their impact. This idea felt particularly relevant in the modern world, where social media had made it easier than ever for words to spread rapidly and reach a vast audience.
In this second phase of his work, Tawatchai expanded his selection of text beyond timeless quotations. Now, he included anything from the everyday remarks of Thai politicians during media interviews to the lyrics of globally renowned musicians. This shift reflected the artist’s growing creative freedom—his willingness to inject playfulness into his work while continuing to explore the nature of language, perception, and influence.
Silpa Bhirasri, 2021
Oil on canvas
100 × 80 cm
Chuwit Kamolvisit, 2022
Oil on canvas
110 × 90 cm
Chatichai Choonhavan, 2022
Oil on canvas
110 × 90 cm
Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, 2022
Oil on canvas
90 × 70 cm
Prawit Wongsuwan, 2022
Oil on canvas
90 × 70 cm
Prayuth Chan-o-cha, 2022
Oil on canvas
90 × 70 cm