HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH WUTHIPOL UJATHAMMARAT, A FREELANCE PRINT ARTIST AND COMMUNICATION DESIGNER WHO IS RECOGNIZED AS THE CREATOR OF VIVIDLY COLORFUL PHOTOGRAPHIC WORKS WHICH OFTEN PROMPTS VIEWERS TO REFLECT AND QUESTION THE FAMILIAR SCENES THAT UNFOLD BEFORE US

TEXT: SURAWIT BOONJOO
PHOTO: WUTHIPOL UJATHAMMARAT EXCEPT AS NOTED

(For Thai, press here)

“When all the images were combined into a single piece that fully adorns the wall at the Emsphere shopping center, it appeared as one very large work instead of 20 images installed separately,” reflects artist Wuthipol Ujathammarat. “With such a large scale, I believe the storytelling might improve because we can witness the details in much more clearly. Some elements that were forgotten or never seen before emerge in intriguing ways.”

Photo: Ketsiree Wongwan

Photographs capturing one side of a building from a distance, juxtaposed with close-up views that delve into specific details, sharply contrast the colors within each component and surface. This distinctive storytelling style defines the photography of Wuthipol Ujathammarat—a freelance print artist and communication designer who focuses on designing, composing, and narrating through photographs in print media. He is the creative force behind projects like Aperture Brought Me Here and Wuthipol Designs. Though Wuthipol is recognized for exhibiting his vividly colorful photographic works in various art exhibitions—including wall images interspersed with arranged objects in a long-term installation at the newly launched Emsphere shopping center—these series of images all trace back to his earlier presentations within the framework of print media, his primary mode of communication.

Wuthipol Ujathammarat recalls the beginnings of his photographic journey during his time working and pursuing a master’s degree in graphic design in Melbourne, Australia. Initially, he shared his experiences through a travel blog, gradually refining his skills and venturing into street photography. However, upon returning to Thailand, he came to the realization that the street photography scene had already become widespread. Determined to carve out his own unique approach, he discovered a perspective that unveiled the extensive use of colors on the surfaces of Thai buildings—elements often unnoticed and merely passing through the eye. This discovery perfectly aligned with his graphic design sensibilities, which emphasized patterns, geometric shapes, and the continuous arrangement of lines. Embracing this synergy, Wuthipol wandered through roads, alleys, nooks, and lanes, immersing himself in the surrounding atmosphere. These explorations allowed him to capture photographs rich in color and compositional arrangements, resembling graphic artworks.

A photograph capturing the atmosphere of Melbourne, Australia. These are among the initial works that he documented and archived.

A photograph capturing the atmosphere of Melbourne, Australia. These are among the initial works that he documented and archived.

Initially captivated by the sheer beauty of these perspectives, it was, however, through immersing himself in these spaces that Wuthipol Ujathammarat’s interest in the multifaceted dimensions of urban life began to take shape. This deep engagement illuminated how urban existence influences architectural design and the inventive adaptation of everyday objects—assembled from diverse materials to function aptly within the unique context of each locale, including the eclectic color choices adorning buildings and homes. His photographic series often prompts viewers to reflect and question the familiar scenes that unfold before us. Compiling, arranging, and interweaving his photographs to craft narratives, Wuthipol draws from his extensive image archive. These stories are primarily conveyed through printed media and occasionally exhibited. He explains that he began integrating photography with printed media as a means of dissemination and communication. Realizing he had accumulated a vast array of unused photographs, he was inspired to create printed works—books and postcards—that communicate through imagery.

The ambiance and showcased works of the ‘Urban Mass’ exhibition, which took place from September 22 to October 1, 2023, at MESA 312.

Having participated in numerous book festivals and events both in Thailand and abroad, Wuthipol shared his insights on the reception of printed media in Thai society and the limitations on topics he wishes to explore, which remain constrained in many Asian countries. ‘Overall, in Thailand, there is still a lack of support in terms of purchases,’ he reflects. ‘Groups of publishers or artists produce a large number of printed materials or design works, but the sales are relatively low. Moreover, festivals or venues where these works can be sold are limited. Another interesting aspect is the challenge of presenting problematic issues and sensitive content, which tends to be off-limits—not just in Thailand but in many parts of Asia. This stands in stark contrast to the openness found in American and European countries. It’s as though there’s a subtle yet undeniable framework that restricts and shapes the creativity of creators.’

Photo: Ketsiree Wongwan

Currently on display at the Emsphere shopping center, Wuthipol Ujathammarat’s photography offers viewers a fresh perspective, presenting intriguingly arranged images, each measuring an average of one and a half meters. These works extend the narrative of Bangkok’s urban essence, weaving together visual elements from his earlier endeavors such as the ‘Urban Mess’ book, and the previously promoted exhibitions ‘The Peeking Cloud’ and ‘Urban Mess.’ In his new venture, Wuthipol is assembling a series dedicated to the architectural photography of residential buildings in Singapore, specifically the public housing known locally as HDB buildings, celebrated for their distinctive use of color and pattern. This series is currently being formatted for an upcoming publication. Beyond the aesthetic allure of colors and arrangements, one of the most engaging aspects of Wuthipol’s prints, designs, and exhibitions is the way they prompt open-ended reflections on the multifaceted nature of ‘urbanity.’ These reflections invite viewers to contemplate the complexities of urban life, making each project as thought-provoking as it is visually captivating– all equally compelling to follow.