Meet Martin Constable, the Vietnam-based artist whose works are collected by icons such as David Bowie and Elton John, and now, for the first time in Bangkok, he brings his digital and painted worlds to Bangkok University Gallery.

Again with Koktail Konversations, but now we are at episode 5, and this time we have a conversation with Martin Constable, who is currently exhibiting his works at Bangkok University Gallery. Curated by our 2025 Future Lister, Pojai Akratanakul, the exhibition What Cannot Be Forgotten, Must Be Celebrated is a journey into the intersections of memory, imagination, and the human psyche, where time loses its conventional meaning and the universe becomes a stage for both wonder and unease.

The exhibition presents an exploration of time, memory, and human existence through a multi-disciplinary lens, and it is also a reflection of the artist’s engagement with both traditional and digital media. Constable, of mixed British and Spanish heritage and based in Vietnam for over twenty years, has cultivated an artistic language that draws on science fiction, romantic era art, and video games, yet remains anchored in the psychological and philosophical dimensions of the human condition. His works combine technical mastery with conceptual insight, making them both intellectually provocative and visually thrilling.

Space 1: Future History and Cosmic Perspective

In Space 1, under the theme of Future History, Constable presents works that explore the intersection of technological advancement and human insignificance, often evoking the vastness of the cosmos and the fleeting nature of our existence.

The compositions are precise, with sharply defined lines and an exceptional command of lighting that both guides the eye and creates a cinematic drama. The effect is both exhilarating and unsettling, as viewers confront the possibility of humanity moving into unknown realms, leaving behind traces of its presence while questioning the meaning and purpose of such journeys.

Space 2: In-Between Spaces and the Fear of Being Forgotten

Space 2 offers a contrasting yet complementary experience, with digital and video works that explore liminal or “in-between” spaces. Here, Constable’s mastery of atmosphere and spatial composition conveys a sense of serenity tempered by anxiety. The absence of human figures is deliberate, suggesting presence through implication rather than depiction, letting viewers imagine the scenario themselves. Traces of human activity imbue the works with emotional resonance, emphasising memory, loss, and the desire to leave a mark upon the world as we’re fear of being forgotten.

In these works, digital art proves itself capable of evoking emotion and nostalgia in a way that is distinct from traditional painting, where the act of creation is materially traceable, whereas the digital medium produces an effect that is technologically mediated.

The Artist Speaks

A conversation with the artist reveals further depth to his practice. Constable explains that he begins his digital paintings with a clear visual idea, often prototyping in software such as Photoshop or Blender, and that his approach to lighting is informed by a lifelong study of both paintings and cinema.

Constable speaks candidly about the differences between digital and traditional media, noting that digital tools allow for experimentation, accidental discoveries, and shifts in creative direction, while traditional painting offers a tangible record of the artist’s hand. He also emphasises the importance of what is left out of a composition, describing his works as carefully calibrated to create drama and maintain a balance between too much and too little, a way that evokes power of his images.

Viewer Experience

Attending this exhibition, I was struck by how his works engage the viewer’s imagination, provoking questions about existence, memory, and the future. They thrill and unsettle in equal measure, presenting scenarios in which humanity might leave behind the familiar world to confront the unknown. There is a tension between fear and hope, a reflection of our contemporary desire to contribute something lasting to the world and to assert the value of human life through creation.

The artist’s technical mastery, particularly in digital lighting and composition, is unmistakable, and the traces of human presence in his works evoke a haunting poignancy, suggesting partially told stories that leave space for reflection and interpretation. The conceptual dialogue present in works such as imagined conversations between humans and extraterrestrial beings draws us in with a mix of curiosity and unease, offering multiple perspectives and encouraging contemplation of difference, perception, and understanding. Constable’s work is exhilarating, moving, and thought-provoking, leaving viewers with a renewed sense of curiosity and appreciation for the power of visual art to confront the deep aspects of our shared humanity.

Ultimately, What Cannot Be Forgotten, Must Be Celebrated demonstrates Martin Constable’s return to painting while simultaneously expanding his exploration of digital media. It is a display of both technical brilliance and conceptual sophistication, inviting viewers to question, imagine, and feel the complex intersections of human existence, memory, and the possibilities of the future.

The exhibition runs until 29 November 2025, 9.30am-4.30pm, Monday – Saturday (closed on Sundays and public holidays)atBangkok University Gallery (BUG), Space 1 / Space 2.

Watch the full conversation with Martin Constable on our Instagram here and visit martinconstable.com for more about him.

All images courtesy of Bangkok University Gallery and the artist. Photo: Preecha Pattaraumpornchai