Since settling in Bangkok in 2009, Spanish painter and graphic designer Daniel Monfort Gil continues to express his perspective on the Big Mango through art. His paintings depict ordinary characters in various everyday-settings while portraying the contrasts and liveliness of the beautifully busy Bangkok. The 42-year-old artist had numerous solo and group exhibitions throughout his 23 year painting career. He had his first gallery show in Thailand called "Bangkok, Anytime" and published a book of the same name in 2014. We talked with Daniel about his work and life and his second solo exhibition titled "Bangkok, Anytime. Our World" at Serindia Gallery, O.P. Garden (Tue-Sun 11am-7pm, Charoen Krung Soi 36, fb.com/serindiagallery, 02-238-6410.). The exhibition runs until Apr 30.
What led you to Bangkok in the first place?
I was a regular visitor of Thailand over many years and my trips always included Bangkok. Being keen on big cities myself, I wanted to experience the ordinary life here for a better understanding of the soul of this huge megalopolis so I came in August 2009. Since then I've been a witness to how fast this city is changing all the time.
Can you describe your style of painting?
Describing your own style seems to be difficult for many artists, though I do describe mine as contemporary art as it is linked to what's going on in urban spaces, architecture, people and their lifestyle. I focus on colours and love the small details which sometimes get ignored due to their routine nature. My graphic designer background had an enormous influence on my paintings too. They are quite far from techniques in oil on canvas and feel closer to illustration or advertisement. I also declare myself a devoted admirer of pop art and get deep inspirations from the art nouveau movement. Every artist is unique in his or her own way -- a result of many processes. My interests in various painters, writers, designers and scientists have provided me with different paths to develop my personal artistic style too.
How can you capture so many details in one painting? Can you briefly talk us through your creative process?
Representing many details in a painting comes after a constant scrutiny of people, venues and actions around myself. Sitting down in a coffee shop gives you a full variety of stories to tell and objects to describe. This pondering is more than just entertainment. It becomes a rich source of knowledge from which I pick what to be depicted in my works. After the first step is done, I go ahead with drawing and sketches in my studio. A selection of them will be finally made into a painting. In my exhibitions, I invite the audience to create a personal point of view or an individual story from looking at my work. One seemingly ordinary scene of a pool party or a busy street may invoke different stories for different people.
What's your new exhibition about?
My next exhibition shows how gay men in Bangkok socialise and behave, but not comprehensively, as gay men are diverse. In my previous solo and group exhibitions, I have presented works showing some gay or lesbian characters as a natural part of the social fabric. I would feel glad if my exhibition made a contribution to the equality and visibility of gay men. Sure Bangkok offers a gay-friendly environment, but oftentimes gay people do not get broader representation, mostly being depicted as stereotypes or caricatures. It may be an eye-opener for those who are not familiar with the gay communities in Thailand.
Any messages for those who are interested in seeing your paintings?
As I've said before, my paintings are a starting point for a bunch of new stories, depending on the viewers' outlook and experience. Many times, I had the chance to learn about some of them in conversations I have with visitors to my exhibitions, which is always fantastic feedback for me. I think it'll be fun to find out which element out of so many contained in one picture speaks to you the most. Also, if you spot me, feel free to say hi and share your story with me. g
