Tada Hengsapkul is a young Thai artist who isn’t afraid to cross the line when it comes to explicit artwork. One of the most startling penises – oops, I mean “pieces” – in his latest exhibition shows a faceless man holding his self-inflicted mutilated manhood. Circumcised in DIY fashion, the foreskin was left to resemble something like flower petals. Tada explained that the anonymous subject had hoped his efforts would help make him more sexually attractive to women.
According to the artist, the subject admits that the horrifying new look of his ornamental penis has met with the exact opposite reaction – repulsion.
Tada explained that his exhibition only features men, in order to show that we live in a male-dominated society.
In one photograph we see a man painted in red to signify his alliance with the “Red Shirt” political movement.
“You cannot get out of the room,” says Tada. “Meaning you cannot step outside of the ideas set by the political party. This is contemporary politics in Thailand.
“Getting out of the room symbolizes freedom.”
In another photo we see a figure dressed in white lace and a conical headpiece. He is an angel – a religious figure that Thais believe has the power to persecute deviants.
“Getting out of the room symbolizes having freedom of thought, but if one leaves the room he will be shot,” says Tada.
Parade will be on display until March 31 at H Gallery.
H Gallery
201 Sathorn Soi 12
Bangkok 10500
+66 (0) 85 021 5508
Hours:
Open daily, 10am – 6pm, except Tuesdays
Tuesdays by appointment or by chance
How to get there:
In Between Silom and Sathorn Roads (take Sathorn Soi 12 or Silom Soi 9).
Skytrain: Between Chong Nonsi (S3) and Surasak Stations (S5)
