Gongkan: Introspection

Gongkan: Introspection
6 November–12 December 2021
Tang Contemporary Art
Room. 201–206, River City Bangkok
23 Soi Charoenkrung 24
Talad noi, Sampantawong
Bangkok, 10100
Thailand

Tang Contemporary Art is proud to announce the opening of Introspection, the first solo exhibition for Thai artist, Gongkan, with Tang Contemporary Art in its Bangkok space. Running from 6 November to 12 December 2021, this exhibition reveals the young artist’s introspective journey through different mediums – paintings, sculpture, and for the first time, an interactive digital platform.

Introspection is the first series of works from the Souleport Project, an ongoing psychological artistic exploration, by Gongkan – Kantapon Metheekul. Further developing and expanding on his teleportation concept, this exhibition represents an inner portal, a self-exploration into the artist’s mind and memory. It is a pursuit of full comprehension and contentment, representing an attempt to strengthen a spiritual foundation and step into new possibilities.

The idea of acquiring an understanding of one’s mind is considered crucial in both philosophical and psychological domains. Since ancient times, major philosophers like Lao Tzu and Socrates have emphasised the importance of knowing oneself. In modern psychology, to maintain a satisfying and meaningful life, self-concept and self-analysis are essential notions.

In this exhibition, Gongkan purposefully explores his past, present and future prospects in order to fully understand himself. He challenges and exposes his own vulnerability from the darkest side of his mind – anger, resentment, fear, and suspicion – to the delightful recollection of innocent and imaginative youth. He reveals his insights through his painting, sculpture, and, for the first time, his interactive digital platform, a psychological survey accompanying this exhibition and a part of his ongoing research.

Humans are constantly working between an ideal and a real self, how we see ourselves, and how others perceive us. We want to reach our full potential, a self-actualisation, while balancing our physical and mental well being. Any doubt or disagreement can cause feelings of disconcertion and loss. In the last decade, the world has seen a significant increase in mental health conditions, worsening further with uncertainty from the pandemic and excessive reliance on social media. Yet, people still tend to overlook their inner state.

For Gongkan, this exhibition is both a creative excursion and a necessity. It is his journey to find happiness and the balance that comes with fulfilment and understanding. Viewers can follow this expedition into the artist’s mind while at the same time reflecting on their own perception. Introspection is not a means to an end but an ongoing process. As once said by Carl Rogers, a world-leading psychologist, ‘The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination’.

©2021 Gongkan, Tang Contemporary Art