Deep in Soi Ari, lies hidden a two-storey white building with a wooden gate that could catch passers-by in a contemplative headspace. Emanating a tranquil vibe amid the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, Numthong Art Space is playing host to "Nothing Personal", the latest solo exhibition by multi-hyphenate Kritsada "Note" Phakawatsuntorn. A multidisciplinary artist, co-founder of creative studio James Dean, vocalist of The Keylookz, and owner of the now-defunct fashion brand Wolfkind. The Renaissance man shares a glimpse into his artistic endeavour and creative journey.
The Journey
"It's always been art that has kept me fascinated and mesmerised since I was young," said the 40-year-old artist in his signature sleek sunglasses.
"My younger self would draw and doodle here and there but it was when people, who came to visit my house, started to pay attention to my work that I realised I wanted to show my art to a wider audience and get feedback to further develop my skills. That's the moment I realised I wanted to do more and make it better."
Note obtained a bachelor's degree in Communication Arts & Design from King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL). His gallery debut was in 2014 when he showed drawings, paintings and sculpture in a solo exhibition titled "Wolf". His black-and-white portraits were created from different facial features of past criminals, resulting in thought-provoking images and faces that never existed in the real world before, or since. Then he went with his creative flow with "Flow", his second solo show in 2019, letting his own life experience be his muse. When his son asked why the middle finger is considered rude, it playfully showed up in his drawings. Most recently, Note participated in Bangkok Art Biennale 2020 with "Tooth Clinic" a collection of sculptures, video, paintings and drawings that were derived from his childhood memories of going to the dentist's to embody the "Escape Route" concept.
"Nothing Personal" is his third solo, but his first ceramic and mixed media exhibition. The orange walls of Numthong Art Space are adorned with ceramic heads of French artist Marcel Duchamp. Each head is presented in a different style and technique, from a head that is painted to parody Mickey Mouse to a head that is presented as a talking toy that can speak in five languages.
One thing is clear since his debut, Note is never a one-note artist. He doesn't limit himself to one medium but always pioneers into unfamiliar areas to show his versatility as an explorer of art.
Nothing Personal
The eloquent artist shared that his typical source of inspiration comes from travelling. "I like to spend time in different places, experiencing unseen views and meeting memorable faces," he said.
While Covid-19 grounds flights, that doesn't stop his imagination from taking flight. "Lately, I've stayed at home a lot more and found that boredom can actually be a good catalyst too since it pushes me to find release, as well as fun and happiness in a creative way. I'm spending a lot of time reading books and talking with my kids, and they feed my creativity and imagination as well," he explained.
Note recounted the origin of this one-of-a-kind sculpture show: "My childhood doodling involved drawing over faces I found on almost every page of newspapers, magazines and even textbooks. Since my first solo show in 2014, I've been serious and thoughtful about my concepts and projects, therefore, in recent years I've been missing the freedom and fun I had with doodling. For over three years, I worked on this project in my spare time or when I was bored. So, 'Nothing Personal' serves as an escape and a break away from rules, concept or concern for beauty."
As such, it is understandable why Duchamp -- who was associated with Dadaism, a movement that supported the rejection of the prevailing standards in art -- inspired Kritsada. Not only Note pays homage to Duchamp in his own way but also expands on the concept of readymades, which Duchamp is known for.
"I particularly like Duchamp's idea of 'readymades', and to present found objects as art. So I decided to toy with this concept and use his face to make a ready-made mould," he explained. The most obvious (and perhaps amusing) homage to the French artist is a pair of faux urinals, calling to mind Fountain which Duchamp "created" in 1917.
Time is of the essence
"Nothing Personal" came almost back-to-back with his participation in the Bangkok Art Biennale 2020. Kritsada said the fact that his current show came earlier than usual was partly because he works all the time: "I have a lot on my plate, from commercial work and art exhibitions to my family and personal life. For me, time is truly limited, and time management is of paramount importance. I wake up at the same time and work with everything on schedule. I'm not the kind of artist who waits for inspiration to strike; I go into my studio and start drawing because I absolutely love art." A professional artist, if you will.
When asked what advice would he give to young aspiring artists, he is humble with his answer: "I'm not trying to be a leader or anything. It all comes down to this: 'There's no peak in an artist's career. Will I do the same things or try something new?' I love exploring new things and facing new challenges because they make me smarter, stronger and more successful."
It is fitting to draw a connection between his journey and the legacy that record-setting pilot Howard Hughes left behind. Hughes did the impossible, setting the record of circumnavigating the globe in 91 hours. The American maverick also happens to be the inspiration for the Longines Spirit on Note's wrist.
"As I said earlier, I highly value time and follow the schedule I set up for myself. So for a watch, I prefer one that is classic and simple, and allows me to explore and experience life to the fullest," he said of his timepiece of choice.
Art Pioneer in his Own Right
Note also vouched for trusting your own intuition and shaking off disparaging remarks: "Explore and discover what you like, and respect who you are. Find a person you trust, be they a teacher, senior, mentor, or idol, and listen to what they can offer you instead of obsessing over hundreds of comments on Instagram."
In a sense, Note is an art pioneer who ventures into unexplored areas in the Thai art scene. While he reinvents himself with every show, he also challenges himself as an artist, challenges what people consider to be art as well as its very definition.
He concluded: "It's doesn't matter if you are a solo artist or work in a team, the spirit of a leader to venture forth and make people believe in you is so important. It's the spirit of going after new things and turning a dream into a reality. The impossible into possible."
"Although 'Nothing Personal' started out as a form of play and therapy, it has become another exploration of mine. It has taught me so much about ceramic sculpture. It's a new area in art I had never showcased before but eventually becomes a part of my life. People tend to think I only create 'dark' art but this reveals a more playful side of me."
Although the exhibition is titled "Nothing Personal", it seems to take on a life of its own and ironically become personal for Note.
"Nothing Personal" is on show at Numthong Art Space, Tuesday to Saturday, 11am–6pm, until Feb 27. Visit numthongartspace.com.
