WUTHIPOL UJATHAMMARAT
Tag: photographs
PHOTO ESSAY : CLUSTERED OF PATTERNS
TEXT & PHOTO: JUTI KLIPBUA
(For Thai, press here)
In Thai architecture and that of neighboring countries, the addition of intricate details might seem like mere decoration intended to display opulent beauty. However, personally, I find these details not only serve to beautify but also play a functional role in reducing the bulkiness of buildings and softening the stark interactions between various architectural elements. I began to capture these architectural nuances whenever opportunities arose. During my architectural studies, modern architecture of that era utterly captivated us students. But the traditional Thai architecture I grew up seeing in temples did not catch my interest as much. Over time, through work experience and travel, my appreciation for the craftsmanship and aesthetics involved has grown significantly. Undeniably, my camera is now filled with images of architectural details from Thailand and neighboring countries, from close-ups of window ledges to colored glass installations.
I enjoy capturing these details in a single frame, typically not showing the larger view of the building. Often, these details themselves become the architectural forms. For instance, the edges of temple rows merge together, offering a view that resembles fabric patterns or graphic designs typical of specific eras. These observations have influenced my own design work at JUTI architects, from directly using patterns and scales to subtly incorporating specific edges or lines in architecture, interior design, and furniture design. The details that were once considered merely decorative now hold value for their proportional rhythm and contemporary artistic merit.
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Juti Klipbua, founder and design director of JUTI architects, extends his interests beyond his professional architecture career to include product design, automotive design, and photography. His primary hobby currently involves experimenting with abstract photography, capturing familiar everyday scenes such as construction sites, city traffic, and natural surroundings at construction sites in rural areas.
BLOOMS WITH THE WIND BLOWS
A PHOTO EXHIBITION BY MARISA SRIJUNPLEANG DISPLAYS THE MEMORIES STEMMING FROM THE KHMER ROUGE PERPETRATED GENOCIDE WITH PHOTOS OF GRASS FLOWERS EMERGING AMID BARREN LANDSCAPES INSTEAD OF THE CLEAR DEPICTION OF VIOLENCE
PHOTO ESSAY : THE REFLECTIONS OF OUR IMAGINED REALITIES
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.
PHOTO ESSAY : WAT ARUN
TEXT & PHOTO: TANAGON TIPPRASERT
(For Thai, press here)
From ancient times to the present, Wat Arun Ratchawararam, or the ‘Temple of Dawn,’ locally known as Wat Arun, remains a significant religious beacon and cultural destination, celebrated by both Thais and international visitors for the stunning beauty of its iconic Prang (spire). Yet, with every visit, a fresh perspective awaits discovery, complemented by the captivating surroundings that never fail to impress. A crucial element that adds delight to exploring Wat Arun is the presence of tourists from around the globe, offering a novel outlook through their eyes. Enriching the experience, some visitors choose to don traditional Thai attire, transporting themselves back in time for an authentic glimpse into a bygone era. Even on exceptionally hot days, the joyous atmosphere prevails, with visitors reveling in the experience. Access to Wat Arun is conveniently facilitated by both road and boat services, ensuring a smooth journey for all visitors. This collection of images aims to present unique vantage points and special moments, inviting viewers to let their imaginations wander with the hope that the essence of Wat Arun, from past to present, will endure forevermore.
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Tanagon Tipprasert is a freelance photographer who specializes in wedding photography. He has a keen interest and passion for street and documentary photography.