In "Nowhere Woman", multi-talented artist Chanaradee "Phaan" Chatrakul Na Ayudhya introduces to the audience paintings of her coming-of-age account under today's dark and often disturbing political climate.
Housed at VS Gallery from today until Feb 5, the art collection, which includes an installation that tells the riveting tale of a woman's lost dreams, is both entertaining and inspiring because of the 27-year-old's unique and vibrant expression of colours and brush technique that contributes to her exclusive style and manner with which she captures moments.
Behind the artist's flamboyant exterior beats the heart of an activist who desires to use her craft to bring about political awareness and change.
The fact that she is the daughter of labour historian and researcher Sakdina, who himself has been involved with the labour NGOs and trade union movements in Thailand for decades, comes as no surprise.
Using her signature unconventional artistic style breathes a sense of hope for a better tomorrow.
Chanaradee graduated from the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Chulalongkorn University, with first-class honours.
Better known in the art scene by her flowery name Juli Baker and Summer, she has followed her passion since her childhood.
Comfortable in her skin, this quirky yet vibrant and stylishly cool painter has a huge millennial fan following due to the distinctive manner in which she addresses her topics with a child-like sense of wonder and her spirited vibe, which is reflected in her artwork.
Chanaradee got her first break when she was assigned to design the cover art for the local indie band Stay at Home, after which her fan base has continued to rise.
Why do you think the 'Nowhere Woman' theme is relatable to Thai women in particular?
Because we all have some shared experiences of being oppressed or feeling insecure in this patriarchal society. We all know that Thailand is no longer a democratic country, there are so many issues of social and gender inequality that have impacted not only women but the LGBTQ+ community. There are also men that struggle with living up to a social environment that breeds toxic masculinity. I believe that if we fight for democracy, it's very important to understand and talk more about gender equality and feminism too.
Share with our readers why it was important for you to tell the 'Nowhere Woman' story.
I always see my art as my diary, they collect memories and my thoughts at a certain time of my life. Nowhere Woman is who I am at the moment, it's my feelings, emotions, struggles, hopes and dreams that I have collectively been experiencing. In a sense, I unload my emotional baggage here. I have often struggled with not feeling that I belong to this country. Sharing this story was rather cathartic for me.
Another reason is as an artist, I can't stay silent anymore about the injustices taking place in our country. I'd like to speak up about what's happening in Thailand right now. What is happening is just not right. We cannot continue to sweep these resolved issues dogging our country under the carpet and behave as if nothing is wrong. We need change for the nation to heal.
Art can't grow in a country that lacks freedom of expression. I'm very sad and angry about how the government treats people who only ask for their basic human rights. I believe art is a soft power that can convey strong messages to the public, so I hope that whoever comes to my show will feel hope and remember that we all deserve freedom and rights because this country belongs to the people, not the military dictatorship.
What did you learn about yourself while completing this collection?
I've learned a lot about how to cope with my feelings, despite still struggling with them. During the course of creating this collection, I understood more about balancing my emotions and how to stay sane and hopeful.
However, that does not mean I have become complacent about what is going around me. I still experience anger which I believe is needed to inspire us to stay active in this pro-democracy movement.
At the same time, I've learned to see hope in the little things along the way.
When it comes to artistic expression, I found a transformation in the manner with which I have painted in this collection, I feel a sense of freedom in expressing my thoughts.
Amidst the bright and lively colours you use there is a dark, depressing message, please explain why you decided to opt to take this process and what you hope it will accomplish.
I have always loved doing colourful art since forever, that's who I am, I can't change that. Also, I believe there are various tones of voice we can use to talk about these depressing messages. The dictatorship wants us to lose hope and faith so that they can control us easier, it's very important for all of us to always stay hopeful. I wish that people can see this hope in my art!
At 27, what life experiences have helped you deal with the theme of 'Nowhere Woman'?
During the past two years, the manner in which our new generation pro-democracy movements have worked inspired me a lot.
I always knew that there was something amiss about our country. For one, the hierarchy has led to a culture where inequality is widely practised.
I honestly did not believe this could be rectified up until the youth took to the streets to demand change. I felt they were so brave for standing up to authority and this inspired me to learn more about human rights, the history behind it, and the freedom that we all own.
Participating in this pro-democracy movement helped me to understand that many of my struggles in life are in fact rooted in the inequality of the system we live in. It was also a learning curve for me to become more aware of the struggles of others and the privileges I have and how I can use them for constructive change to happen.
Tell us how your father has impacted the way you view the world.
I would say he has impacted me in more ways than one. My father has instilled in me from a young age the need to have my own opinions. He encouraged me to be creative.
I have seen the dedication my father has for what he strongly supports, in his case being workers' rights, and found that admirable.
He also introduced me to the idea of socialism and areas of capitalism that cause unfairness and division.
I see my parents spend their whole life fighting against dictatorship in some form or the other. They inspire me to be brave and kind in this cruel world.
Explain your understanding of democracy and how it fits in today's Thai households.
I believe that democracy needs to be in every aspect of our life, not just in the parliament, it needs to start from the family, the school, and to a more democratic workplace.
I think that parents don't need to agree with today's generation's thoughts but they need to listen and respect them. People should be allowed to think differently and be able to discuss their views in a safe place… that's how democracy works.
With the new year around the corner, what is your wish for 2022?
I wish for our protest demands to be met, the three include Prayut's resignation, amending the constitution, and monarchy reforms. These demands are needed because our basic rights are not being upheld today.
"Nowhere Woman" is now on view at VS Gallery from now until Feb 5. Call 089-013-9966.
