Organic Rapport

What made you decide to study art in Singapore?
Well, Singapore is not far from my home in Thailand and it’s quite a nice city to live in, as a student at least (laughs); working here is a different ballpark altogether!

What inspires your art?
I grew up surrounded by nature in Ko Pha Ngan, a small tropical island in the south of Thailand. Even my house is pretty open with lots of permeability between the outside and inside—I’m talking trees, waterfalls, even geckos and snakes coming into my home (laughs).

That’s where I draw inspiration from to create works exploring the relationship between human and nature.

Is there an artist or person that has influenced your current body of work?
It’s hard to pinpoint just one name because so many people and influences have led me to where I am today, but most recently it’d have to be the Berlin-based artist, Olafur Eliasson. His work, like mine, embodies our relationship with the natural world.

I experienced one of his installations at the Tate Modern in London titled Your blind passenger and I was blown away! It encompassed a 45-metre tunnel filled with colour-changing smoke. Walking through the tunnel, I became so aware of myself, my body, and the people around me even though I could barely see them. It was a cool look into how we perceive the world.

What are some activities you enjoy outside of school?
Before coming to Singapore, I was pursuing a career in tech, so art was something I would do on the side. Now, art is what I do most of the time.

In Thailand, one of my favourite activities to do is kiteboarding. Some people do it in East Coast Park, but there’s a smaller season for the sport since the winds here aren’t as strong.

In your opinion, what makes a good friend?
Not to sound cliché, but a good friend is loyal, gives chances, and sees you for who you are.

I was really shocked when I was told to cut someone off because of certain negative behaviours. While it’s true that we shouldn’t tolerate toxicity, it has to go through a thought process. As a friend, I’d give people the benefit of doubt instead of ditching them as soon as they make one little mistake—that’s not friendship.

For me, friendship is three things: consistency, vulnerability, and positivity. Most of my friends are back in Thailand, so there’s the added level of dedication to maintain long-distance friendships. In that case, consistency sometimes means checking in once a year (laughs), as long as it happens.

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P.S. Enjoy free admission to the Singapore Biennale 2022 at Tanjong Pagar Distripark till 19th March 2023—your last chance to do so!