The provocative collection of photographs seeks to break taboos and stigmas

Having published his work in magazines and visual advertisements, photographer Pisut Srisuwan has now put together his first solo exhibition, titled Coexistence. Displayed at the new art space Creativbkk, each one of Pisut’ photographs features nude individuals in various poses. “Freedom, love, and equality are basic human desires,” says Pisut. “However, some cultures’ beliefs create ‘desirable’ characteristics, limiting and encapsulating other expressions. Sex and gender have been controversial topics for centuries.”

Despite being basic human desires, many still consider these ideas inappropriate or unacceptable, at least in such public spaces like this. The stigma keeps people grounded in the notion that these thoughts are “taboo” and to be suppressed. In fact, one of the photographs on display at the exhibition was posted on the artist’s Instagram account and then promptly taken down due to the platform flagging it as “explicit content”. The photo, however, was simply of a human collarbone.

Coexistence thus aims to represent “the connection between humans and their basic desires, the natural need that arises in each individual, regardless of race, gender, and body type. Coexistence connects all human beings.”

When Pisut says “all human beings”, he means it. “I started by posting on social media to see who would be interested in letting their bodies be photographed. I was really taken aback by how many people applied and wanted to be a part of it.” He adds, “Still, I wanted to make sure that the works really represent all humans. Because of that, I carefully picked men and women, which includes trans-men and trans-women, as well as people of all body types. They are all humans who are beautiful in their own way, and they all deserve to be celebrated.”

With Coexistence being Creativbkk’s inaugural exhibition, Natasha Chawla, the gallery’s co-founder and curator, is extremely proud of the event. “This is my first physical event, as well as James’ first solo exhibition. I never thought the day would come that I would be able to accomplish something as major as this”. She went on to ensure art enthusiasts that there will be more to come from both Pisut and Creativbkk.

Natasha Chawla and Pisut Sirusuwan

Pisut and Creativbkk have also collaborated with the Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre on this occasion to help raise funds and awareness for HIV and AIDS. Considering the high rate of infected persons in Thailand, people should not feel unsafe due to their sexual identity and preferences. Coexistence seeks to break the long-standing stigma around the issue.

Coexistence will be on until May 18 at Creativbkk, located on the 3rd and 4th floors above George Custom Tailors, 79/6 Sukhumvit Soi 3/1.

For more information, visit creativbkk.com.