The latest exhibition by this versatile visual artist revolves around the themes of war and teenagers.

It was only two months ago when the busy Thaweesak "Lolay" Srithongdee threw an exhibition at Thong Lor's popular J Gallery, but the artist who lends his golden touch to various other group exhibitions and even the Bangkok Experimental Film Festival is now showcasing his latest collection.

The Soldiers exhibition, which comprises 20 paintings, is somewhat of a continuation of his previous exhibition of drawings, Strawberry 'Running on Empty', in the way that it deals directly with the effect the social environment has on young people, teenagers in particular. While Strawberry 'Running on Empty' focused mainly on materialism and consumerism, Soldiers tackles conflict, violence and war, and the effect they have on the character, values and attitudes of the young. In this collection, he explores the so-called rationale behind war, its absurdity and impact while at the same time poking fun at its stupidity.

Bringing onto the canvas his characteristic bold, pop art-cum-surrealist style, Thaweesak divides the collection into two parts. In the first section, he focuses on the teenage period during which young people are free to search and discover their true destination - a stage during which the mind is easily influenced. The second section discourses conflict, racial difference, religion and appearance, and the role they play in the cause of war and destruction. The two parts are closely related, since the social, political and religious elements of the world combine to form the social context in which the searching youth must grow up in and make sense of.

Soldiers is currently at D Gallery, Royal Phuket Marina, Phuket and continues until May 17.

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