Let’s talk a bit about your background. How did you become an artist?
I write poems, take photographs, make short films and paint. I still write poems today, and I’m in the process of working on my next one. As for how I got into photography, I dabbled in communications, advertising and public relations at university, but those things were too boring for me, so I decided to take photographs instead. I didn’t exactly “teach” myself to take photographs, I just went for it. I wouldn’t call myself an artist because, to me, it suggests you’ve been professionally trained and taught how to produce artwork—I never went through that process.
Do you have any major influences?
A Japanese avant-garde poet and photographer named Shuji Terayama had a great impact on my worldview, but I don’t think I have a specific style. My photographs are just the way they are. All my photographs are taken on film. I love developing them and the authenticity. I feel like photographs from digital cameras can feel photoshopped—they’re meant to make it easy to photoshop. I don’t want my photos to appear like that.
How do you expect audiences to react to your work?
I personally don’t see my photographs as graphic or whatever. It’s just another form of expression, and I love expressing myself using sexuality. Having said that, I don’t intend to produce images with any hidden messages. All of my photographs are based on expressionist, fluid views; there’s no straightforward message. You might love my photos, and you might hate them.
Many of your photos are of naked bodies. Is there a running theme?
I am inspired by everything that happens to me in my daily life. I just take photographs of whatever I think looks good, whatever I think I would like to see. So there’s no running theme. For instance, this exhibition was named Hide because these 41 photos were curated from the vast body of my previous work and all of the models are partially covered—hidden—in some way. But there is no concrete theme when I produce my work.
Have you encountered problems with censorship?
It’s very difficult in China to publicize this genre of photography. I got busted twice for taking “inappropriate” photographs of naked models outdoors. I would say I am against censorship in any form of art. It restricts freedom of expression. I am aware that there is always a risk, wherever I exhibit my work, even here. But I’m not looking to change things, there is no hidden message—I still operate within the law.
Do you see pornography as a legitimate art form?
I would be more than happy if people see my art as pornography. What’s so wrong with it?
How have you found Bangkok’s art scene? Will you be back for another exhibition?
I don’t know any artist in Thailand, but I really like it here. This is my third visit, and even though I haven’t had a chance to explore much this time, I will probably come back again to do a proper trip. Interview by Lily Kittisrikangwan and Tewit Phanitprachaya.
