Kata Sangkhae's latest exhibition is a fine collection of work. Among its many dimensions, it reflects the contemporary artist's uncanny ability to showcase raw emotions in an entertaining way.
Kata Sangkhae inserts himself into his work. Courtesy of Charuwan Chanthop/1PROJECTS
He has picked a cryptic title for the exhibition: "Unlovable: In This Life, Our Love Is Impossible By SK Secret Killer -- Kata Sangkhae", which runs from today until Jan 12 at 1PROJECTS gallery, Charoen Krung 28.
This time around, Kata takes us on a journey into the artist's mind and emotional state. Here, he has adopted the guise of SK (Secret Killer), a rapper, who sets the rhythm and pace of the expedition for the audience. As SK, he addresses the emotional pain and stress he encounters while navigating life's numerous challenges through the medium of hip-hop, which acts as a remedy and a guide toward self-understanding.
Kata documents his moral and mental state through two self-portraits, with religious relics and symbols emphasising his emotional predicament. The artist poses and acts as different characters, combining their narratives with his personal story.
In SK Is Marat (Death Of Marat), Kata (as SK) recreates the classic painting The Death Of Marat, by Jacquces-Louis David, inspired by the real life murder of French Revolutionary Jean-Paul Marat.
Kata's art include sculptures, photography and patterned wires, all interconnected and included within SK's lyrics. Kata chose to use rap music because of its origins as a form of artistic expression for the disenfranchised and marginalised in society.
Kata's work is open to interpretation, but one cannot help question when in love or relationships, who are the people really controlling us? Kata is best known for tackling social issues, scrutinising everything from politics and economy to social issues. All levels of society -- family, schools, temples, government agencies, private organisations -- are subject to his critical gaze.
While fiercely critical of authority, Kata's work retains a striking visual beauty that invites us to join his search for meaning.
For more information, call Charuwan at 0816995298, email info@1projects.org or visit 1PROJECTS.org.
Kata Sangkhae, The Death Of SK. Photos Courtesy of Charuwan Chanthop/1PROJECTS
