Tag: photography

PHOTO ESSAY: GENESIS

May 18, 2024
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TEXT & PHOTO: THANNOP AUTTAPUMSUWAN

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Have you ever traveled to a place so exquisitely arranged that you found yourself surrounded by stunning natural beauty, causing you to wonder if such splendor could have formed merely by chance? Do these elements arise naturally, or could it be possible that our world was designed and created by someone?

“IN THE BEGINNING GOD CREATED THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH”

As a child, I often pondered how our world came into existence. Growing older, I encountered numerous scientific theories explaining the origins of our planet, yet none could definitively prove their accuracy.

But there exists a book, the best-selling book in the world, translated into many languages—the Bible. Comprising 66 books, its first is titled ‘Genesis.’

Genesis 1:1 writes, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” This verse speaks of God’s creation of the world in six days. Through studying and understanding each verse, this photo essay was born.

‘Genesis’: The Creation of Our World by God

It emerged… it exists… it fades away.

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Thannop Auttapumsuwan graduated from Silpakorn University’s Faculty of Architecture. He works as an architectural photographer and explores personal projects with black and white film cameras and darkroom processes.

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PHOTO ESSAY : WAT ARUN

May 11, 2024
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TEXT & PHOTO: TANAGON TIPPRASERT

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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.

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PHOTO ESSAY : BANGKOK ARCHIVE

April 19, 2024
by Ketsiree Wongwan
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TEXT & PHOTO: ULF SVANE

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Bangkok Archive is a visual narrative of historic Bangkok. Driven by curiosity and a love for the city, we visit old, authentic places and talk to the people who keep these places alive. Due to rapid economic development, these places are constantly at threat of gentrification, relocation and closure. We consider ensuring a lasting memory of these places an urgent task.

As newcomers enter and new demands and habits emerge, with each passing year the city loses some of its distinct cultural-historical identity. With each refurbishment and demolition, the city’s décor is irreparably changed. At the same time, rising house prices in the city center push large segments of the population further out into the suburbs. Hand in hand with the relocation of people follows the departure of traditional businesses and small industries. Their way of life had set the standard for the environment and appearance of the city for decades. Traditional places to meet, eat, and drink with friends and family, or have your clothes washed or your haircut are at risk of disappearing.

We intend to ensure a memory of these places and the personal narratives that hide in plain sight. We wish to remember the city as it used to be and, through this, ask ourselves what kind of city we want to live in in the future. We want to question urban development and the political priorities on which it is based. We believe that the old places are an important part of Bangkok’s identity, worth fighting for and preserving so that new generations can get to know the city’s spirit and so reflect on its future.

Through these efforts, Bangkok Archive contributes to securing a significant and unique part of Bangkok’s cultural heritage for the future.

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Ulf Svane, an award-winning visual storyteller from Copenhagen, Denmark, has gained widespread acclaim for his exceptional work. Specializing in capturing the tapestry of culture, people, and culinary experiences, he now divides his time between Copenhagen and Bangkok. Ulf’s work has been featured in respected publications such as Conde Nast Traveller, Travel + Leisure, National Geographic, Financial Times, and The Washington Post.

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PHOTO ESSAY : THE ARCHITECTURE OF DEMOLITION

March 16, 2024
by Ketsiree Wongwan
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TEXT & PHOTO: AKAI CHEW

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Singapore is a city in constant change. Buildings are built and redeveloped at a fast pace. A 30-year-old building is seen as ripe for redevelopment. In Singapore, demolition and construction are everywhere. Like a magician throwing a piece of cloth upwards and vanishing when the cloth drops, when the scaffold drops, the building is no longer there. Since 2015, the pace of demolition has escalated to outrageous proportions. Currently, four of the top 10 tallest redeveloped buildings in the world are in Singapore.

In the 1960s, Singapore used urban development to catalyze the new country’s economy. New skyscrapers signaled a new era. Today, some of these buildings have been demolished. 

Demolition and construction in Singapore are almost as much architecture as an actual building. In the past few decades, redevelopment and loss of the natural and built environment have been seen and accepted with apathy and as a necessity to Singapore’s economic growth and urbanization; it was progressing as Singapore rose to become a better city. In Singapore, the contemporary is the history of 10 years later.

As our post-independence era architecture gets slowly erased and replaced, it opens further questions on the outrageous. 

I thought about vintage photographs showing Singapore in the 19th century. We look to the past in fascination, and we think to ourselves how much the city has changed since then. Maybe in Singapore, this past might just be 10 or 20 years ago. 

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Akai Chew is a Singapore-based artist whose background in architecture, urban planning, and architectural heritage informs his contemporary art practice. As an artist, he works primarily with photography and site-specific installations. Akai studied architecture and built environments at the University of Tasmania in Australia. He has exhibited extensively in Singapore, Bandung, New Delhi, Hobart, and Launceston. 

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PHOTO ESSAY : DIY THAI CHAIRS

March 10, 2024
by Ketsiree Wongwan
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TEXT & PHOTO: BARRY MACDONALD

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I am a photographer and I have been documenting the DIY-repaired chairs of Thailand’s streets. When something is broken it is not thrown away, but mended with found materials and given a new lease of life. Where some people would see a useless piece of furniture, the people who repair the chairs see possibilities and solutions. These chairs can be found everywhere from motorcycle taxi stands to markets, public seating is limited and making your own place to rest is important.

The designers and engineers are normal people who use their ingenuity and the best of up-cycling and recycling philosophies to make their creations. A lot of the time the design is purely practical, but sometimes it creates a different kind of beauty when assembled from lots of different materials. Techniques such as carpentry, weaving, tying, welding, glueing, cable tying, carving, taping, bungee cording etc are all employed. Sometimes the objects around can become part of the support, and the street and the chair merge, like the chair that sits inside the tree branch to make an armchair.

Cheap products that break quickly encourage waste and more consumerism, the art of repairing anything we own is becoming lost as companies employ planned obsolescence. These chairs symbolise urban design, working with the restrictions of damage and limited materials, to create seating that makes working on the street possible. These kinds of skillets are important as global resources become limited, the mindset to repair and not replace will be just as important.

I think the resourcefulness and flexibility of these designers is an important part of the fabric of Thailand, and should be considered and embraced when planning the future of public spaces.

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Barry Macdonald was born in London, UK. His dad used to take photos with a 35mm film camera as a hobby and taught him how to use it when he was quite young. He had his own film camera by the time he was 15. The camera opened up a way to interact with the world that made sense to him. Composing a frame and timing the moment brings satisfaction when everything falls into place. His camera has allowed him to travel and meet a lot of people, and he is always grateful to it for changing his life and helping him make sense of the world.

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PHOTO ESSAY : SPEND TIME

January 20, 2024
by Ketsiree Wongwan
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TEXT & PHOTO: PEERAPAT WIMOLRUNGKARAT

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Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park, also known as Rai Mae Fah Luang, is one of the destinations I find myself gravitating towards whenever the chance to explore Chiang Rai presents itself (the latest return marks my seventh visit). 

It’s a place of happiness and memories, echoing the memories of the first time I was there.

Several years ago, I had the chance to attend the wedding of two of my older friends. It was within this very park that they celebrated their union. It was then that I also made a promise to myself to return to this place the next time I came back to Chiang Rai.

Little did I fathom that the promise made on that very day would materialize, drawing me back to Chiang Rai in the year 2023. Fresh from a photography gig, I arrived just as the radiant Light of Life exhibition adorned the park. The weather and ambiance conspired harmoniously, and I took the opportunity to see the exhibit both at night when the park was bathed in a beautiful glow of light and during the day with daylight’s gentle touch.

The beauty of Rai Mae Fah Luang captivated me—the curated sequence of artworks woven into the park’s landscape and architecture.

In 2024, I was back at Rai Mae Fah Luang, where I had the opportunity to immerse myself in documenting the park in its full glory while it hosted the Thailand Biennale, Chiang Rai 2023. Unfolding amidst the park’s enchanting surroundings, the event became a haven for artists to unveil their masterpieces. My photo shoot felt like a poetic mental retreat.

Spending time in the space, delving into each artwork, I could feel the energy permeating from the spaces and the artists’ artistic creations, akin to savoring a well-brewed drink that tantalizes the senses. 

Exploring the park and taking in the presence of nature, my view of the world has been recalibrated. I took my time to observe the changing landscapes and admire the architecture, unhurriedly and unconstrained by any tight schedule. I asked myself questions—some about what I encountered, some more introspective. I could feel the grass smiling while I appreciated its lovely scent and the sounds of rustling leaves saying their hello. It was peaceful, and I fell in love. ‘I want to build a home here, in Chiang Rai,’ I heard myself thinking.” 

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Peerapat ‘Add’ Wimolrungkarat The photographer who loves to capture moments and memories that hidden in still images.

Leica Ambassador (Thailand)
Architecture photography @somethingarchitecture

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PHOTO ESSAY : PRATEEP’S VISION V

January 8, 2024
by Ketsiree Wongwan
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TEXT: PRATCHAYAPOL LERTWICHA
PHOTO: PRATEEP TANGMATITHAM

(For Thai, press here) 

When the pandemic struck, the ability to roam freely vanished. Everything seemed to come to a standstill. The whole world was a halt in motion. However, normalcy sets in after the worst-case scenario passes, and people renew their journey plans. But this time, the scenes felt brand new and different; thus, the trip wasn’t the same.

After the crisis had passed, Supalai PCL’s CEO, Dr. Prateep Tangmatitham, embarked on a journey to see the world with fresh eyes. Prepared to document their thoughts in a book and an exhibition of photographs, Prateep’s Vision V highlights the long-time accumulation of Dr. Prateep’s views on life through the beauty of trees, mountains, sea, architecture, and people.

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Dr. Prateep Tangmatitham is the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Supalai Public Company Limited.