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PHOTO ESSAY : THE REFLECTIONS OF OUR IMAGINED REALITIES

June 22, 2024
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TEXT & PHOTO: NATTAKORN CHOONHAVAN

(For Thai, press here) 

Before I set out on foot and began my photographic journey to various locales, I established a thematic foundation centered on the concepts of ‘reflection’ and ‘duality.’ Each time I encountered scenes that embodied these concepts, I captured them, preserving these moments for further introspection. For instance, reflections in water that distort and invert reality reminded me of the theory of parallel worlds. Similarly, images of lotus leaves overlapping with concrete structures brought to mind how humans, like the mythological Lotus Eaters, are ensnared in the capitalist cycle. Photographs of butterflies fluttering within cages led me to ponder the notion of human freedom—trapped in the cyclical nature of existence yet possessing a spirit that soars and dreams of liberty. This thematic foundation provoked deeper reflections on the philosophies of existence as seen through the mundane moments of my daily life.

Freedom in The Cage

The butterfly may be physically confined to a cage, yet its mind freely wanders to distant places, mirroring the human quest for freedom and the deeper meanings of life. Even while constrained by societal constructs, rules, and the sheer dimensions of our existence, along with the cycles of samsara, we remain driven to define our purpose and uncover the essence of our lives.

The Reversed World and The Lotus Eater

This concept speaks to living within an endless cycle of rebirth and an ever-expanding parallel world. In any realm, we might become Lotus Eaters—those from Greek mythology who, in their quest for happiness, consumed lotus flowers and forgot all else in life. We endlessly pursue desires and materialism, a ceaseless chase that only halts when we grasp the true essence and profound meaning of existence.

The Other Me (s)

The Dividing between the Two Worlds

The Other Me (s) and The Dividing between the Two Worlds

Every reflection I see in water or mirror always has my mind wondering about the myriad dimensions that ripple through this universe. I believe these mirrored selves are echoes of us in multiple realms. Yet, no matter the world we inhabit, we still strive tirelessly towards our deepest desires, ascend towards our dreams, relentlessly developing in pursuit of perpetual growth.

The Encounter

This image unfolds into various imaginable interpretations. To some, it reveals the intricacies of a brain; to others, the vital breath of lungs. Yet through my eyes, it portrays two masked figures in silent confrontation. It bears a dual significance: masks grant us the liberty to assume any guise and skins that are not our own. Simultaneously, these masks form a veil, a sacred space where we can retreat into our truest selves, resonating with our innermost truths.

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Natthakorn Choonhavan is the founder and designer of the jewelry brand Middle M Jewelry. He enjoys capturing images with a film camera during his walks, as this allows him to observe more closely the stories of the people around him. Natthakorn frequently employs light, shadows, and reflections to add depth to his photographs, transforming ordinary scenes into extraordinary snapshots. In documenting everyday life through film photography, he consistently infuses his techniques with emotion and interpretive meanings, carefully selecting angles, distances, and timings for his shots.

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PHOTO ESSAY : A SHAPE FOR BREATHING

June 15, 2024
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TEXT & PHOTO: CHATCHAWIN THANASANSUB

(For Thai, press here) 

According to the extension lines of the Bangkok Skytrain project, I could not imagine that Bangkok’s environment was not bad enough. Among the complex city, the clear blue sky is covered by solid concrete structures, not even high-rise buildings or low houses, but also the skytrain station, which blocks the city scenery. Some lines are inserted in a small area and nearly touch the surrounding buildings, or some lines are over the main road, which cannot grow the trees in the middle and along the streets.

The skytrain is the main public transportation in Bangkok, providing comfortable travel faster than a public bus and avoiding traffic jams. On the other hand, the dry and dense concrete floor floating over the sky makes the compressed and heavy feeling similar to an ‘unbreathable city.’ This photo set tries to express the uncomfortable feeling through an available void from the blocking of skytrain structures. The shapes occur in the context of their site. The different appearances depend on the intensity of obstructions and the variety of urban areas. Some shapes are very small and look like tiny windows because the skytrain station is quite close to the buildings.

I used to live in Singapore and got to know how well-managed and sustainable the city is. The MRT is the backbone of public transportation for daily use. Mostly, it runs underground, not over the roads or in any city areas. There are a lot of huge trees giving natural shading along the streets, and a clear sky contrasts with the high-rise buildings without obstruction. Actually, we cannot compare Bangkok with Singapore (I know about it) because of many limited factors. But at least this photo essay reflects the uncomfortable feeling of one who loves to walk in the city.

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Chatchawin Thanasansub graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the Faculty of Architecture, King Mongkut’s University of Technology, Thonburi. He returns to study for a master’s degree at the Faculty of Architecture, Silpakorn University. Chatchawin worked as a 3D visualizer and architectural photographer, but later became an interior architect who took photography as a hobby. His interest lies in the urban context, capturing the diversity of people, public spaces, and architecture through the photos he takes during his travels.

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instagram.com/chatchawind