This exhibition starts from the curiosity about the long history of female personifications reflected widely in our visual cultures nowadays such as the Statue of Liberty, Venus of Willendorf, Monalisa or the Earth Goddess (Pra Mae Torani). These icons prompt us to reflect on how we perceive femininity and what meanings we ascribe to the female bodies. These questions lead to further curiosity about the female bodies in the contemporary context: when they think about a female body, what images come to mind?
To explore this topic, four artists are invited to produce work that links to one common thread, the physical female bodies. The artists, each of whom comes from a distinct point of view, give us insights into the many faces of femininity today.
Kaewtrakarn Junlabon’s work talks about the female bodies as nurturers. It aligns with Hanks’ anthropological account about maternity in 1960s Bangkok. To quote Hank’s words, Junlabon’s bodies are the ones that “feed and lengthen lives” while femininity is about being “the custodian of growth and the guardian of the vitals” (Hanks 1963, P. 71).
Luck Maisalee’s sculptures, although, are a parody to the current art industry, reflect the long history of how humans use women to represent abstract concepts like fertility, renewal, grace, freedom, etc.
Parichart Suphaphan’s take on femininity is reflected in the vibrant colors and exaggerated body parts like lips, breasts, and buttocks. It reminds us that femininity is so strongly connected to fashion styles and aesthetics. And only certain styles are deemed appropriate.
Lastly, Marisa Srijunplaeng explores the wounds left on her female relatives during the Khmer Rouge regime, comparing the female bodies to a historical source and records of the familial wounds.
Just from this small group of artists, we learn how diverse the female bodies can vary in meanings. Some of the works continue the tradition that has been present since prehistory. Some others shed light on the new areas we don’t usually associate with femininity. Gender has a big influence on how we make sense of the world. This exhibition invites you to reflect on whether or not it is possible to do so in a different way. How might we redefine and appreciate femininity and the female bodies in new contexts.
Curated by Rose Bannaros
MANY FACES OF HER ART EXHIBITION Opening Event on 6 February 2025 18.00pm.
Exhibition held: 6 February – 27 April 2025
Venue: noble PLAY / BTS Phloen Chit
Organized by 333Artlink
