Breaking down barriers

Breaking down barriers

Thai-Australian Bryce Watanasoponwong hopes to inspire others to express themselves freely through abstract photography

SOCIAL & LIFESTYLE
Breaking down barriers
Bryce Watanasoponwong and his abstract photography exhibition 'Saving Face'.

After living in Australia for more than a decade, the global financial crisis in 2009 caused Bryce Watanasoponwong to lose his job in information system management. Moreover, his long-time partner broke up with him. So, when his parents travelled to Taiwan for vacation, Bryce decided to join them, so he could get away from his routine.

In Taiwan, Bryce purchased his first camera and started taking photos on the street. From that point on, he discovered a new interest and began to develop his photography skills by working as a part-time photographer in Australia with his friend, a wedding photographer. After becoming a street photographer, this Thai-Australian felt attracted to the extraordinary beauty of nature and developed an interest in abstract photography.

"Saving Face" is Bryce's fifth abstract photography exhibition. The exhibition's name reflects the modest and conservative nature of Thai culture where people believe the expression of negative feelings is a sign of weakness and could lead to social rejection. As a result, many hide their feelings to save face, protect their self-esteem, and avoid criticism from peers.

The abstract photography in Saving Face expresses Bryce's emotions during the Covid-19 pandemic through vivid colours. In order to create 22 abstract images to look like paintings, Bryce used several experimental film photography techniques including "film soup".

Life spoke to Bryce Watanasoponwong about the ideas behind Saving Face and experimental film photography techniques.

Tears expresses frustration about the pandemic. Photo © River City Bangkok

What did you learn from working with your wedding photographer friend in Australia?

I learned how to communicate with people who were my subjects. As a photographer, I had to make them feel comfortable so they could express themselves naturally. At first, I was nervous, but since I am a people person, so I had fun with the job.

What are some difficulties of being a self-taught photographer?

Personally, I was insecure and did not feel confident because I did not have a degree in photography. I was afraid of being rejected by society. However, after finding my determination and confidence, I felt I could do anything.

Bryce uses several experimental film photography techniques including 'film soup' to create abstract paintings.

Why did you change your interest from street photography to abstract photography?

I still take street photos. When I took photos on the streets, there were unusual patterns and colours that other people did not see, but I saw them. I felt the beauty of nature and I took pictures from angles that felt right. In the past, I was afraid to show these photos because I was worried that people would judge that they were not street photos since there were no people in the shots.

What is the difference between street and abstract photography?

They are actually similar because I have to use a camera and snap photos. Street photography records moments of life at that period in time. After taking photos, abstract photography has to go through a fine art photography process to express my messages more.

A short video aims to help visitors feel relaxed.

Why did you title the exhibition Saving Face?

We live in a conservative society. I lived in Australia for more than a decade and became a liberal. After I returned to Thailand, I discovered that I could not speak my mind. This is different from when I was in Australia and could express how I felt. The exhibition is my self-expression during the pandemic.

What is the message of your exhibition?

I want to support anyone who does not have the opportunity to communicate and express himself/herself freely. The exhibition is my expression. Other people do not have to do the same and can find their own individual way to express themselves.

White colour in Serotonin Wave I, II and III symbolise peace of mind.

Can you tell us about the experimental film photography technique?

I take photos for exhibitions with film cameras. I use the 'film soup' technique which involves soaking the negatives in boiling water. A person at a camera store gave me the idea about the film soup technique and I looked it up online. The film soup technique creates unexpected colours and patterns. Other techniques included adding acid or lemon juice into films. Acid changes the colours of the film.

Can you tell us about the hidden messages in the photos?

Serotonin Wave I, Serotonin Wave II and Serotonin Wave III were created at the beginning of the pandemic. The photos feature lots of white colours which symbolises peace of my mind. Various colours in Tears signify my tears when I was frustrated to learn of the high number of infections and deaths from Covid-19. I was afraid of dying and upset with the situation because I had no idea when I would receive the vaccination. I also could not express how I felt about the situation because I was afraid that government supporters might not understand me and hate me. The circular photos, Working Around I and Working Around II, represent my confusion. I was trapped in a circle and could not find a way out.

Working Around I and II represent diverse feelings.

What is the purpose of your short video?

During the pandemic, I coped with my emotions in several ways. One of them was to sit back, close my eyes and think about what bothered me that day, how I felt, and how I could move on. Some days, I listened to relaxing music and lit scented candles. Some days, I listened to lively music. The video features images and music that I hope can relax visitors while watching.

What can visitors expect from the exhibition?

They can expect to see beautiful photos. I hope Thai visitors will learn more about abstract photography. If anyone is interested in abstract photography, he/she can try to experiment with it. I do not have a degree in photography but I could do it. Don't be afraid and play around. I also want people to be aware of mental health. Don't be afraid to express yourself in any form. It is necessary to express your feeling freely, openly and honestly.

What is your future goal?

I want to work on a project about mental health awareness. I am interested in mental health because relationships are fragile. When people have arguments, it is usually because they lack empathy. They usually think they are right and others are wrong. It should not be that way. One of my collections, 'Illusion', includes a message about a principle of Buddhism which states that 'the world is an illusion. Illusions are not real, yet people hold onto their illusions'. We should ask ourselves what is it that we seek. I want peace of mind. If I have peace of mind, I can do everything.

"Saving Face" can be viewed at bit.ly/3ohAaK5 and bit.ly/3ohAEjn. Visit rivercitybangkok.com or Facebook/RiverCityBangkok for more information.

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