THE SPECTRUM OF IDENTITY

A PHOTO EXHIBITION SHOWCASES FIVE ARTISTS WHO EXPLORE QUEER AND TRANSGENDER IDENTITY THROUGH THE NONHUMAN WORLD

- STORY AND PHOTOS: THANA BOONLERT

In the photographic exhibition “Beyond Binary” at Ming Artspace in Bangkok, a group of artists explore the nonhuman world in the liberation of their transgressive identity.

"With a background in computer science, I did not know what a non-binary artist is," said Sophirat Muangkum, a nude photographer, who is serving as a curator for this exhibition. Her work focuses on exploring social issues related to the human body. “I am more familiar with binary code. I think that its two digits, 0 and 1, can be compared to X and Y [chromosomes] that determine an individual’s sex. Nevertheless, human identity exists in a spectrum.”

Running at Ming Artspace until the end of this month, “Beyond Binary” brings together five artists from across the country. Born in Phayao, Jakkapan Mantapan, also known as JKPan, honed his skill at the University of Phayao’s Faculty of Architecture and Fine Arts. He creates art at Pye Space and co-founded the Kwanner Art Space.

“Knowledge of sexual and gender diversity in my hometown is limited. Pride Month is not celebrated there. I enjoy more artistic freedom in Bangkok,” he said.