Suppose She is Pregnant (1999) by Ganokwan BoonsarouiArt Centre Silpakorn University
‘Suppose She is Pregnant’ is a work that received the Silver Medal of Honor ‘Silpa Bhirasri’ Award at the 16th Contemporary Art Exhibition by Young Artists in 1999. It presents an image symbolizing the values of women within the current wave of materialism.
This mixed media painting features two young women with bright yellow skin, revealing the body of a pregnant woman, unclad, in a side-profile stance, carrying a black fur bag at her side.
The artist, Ganokwan Boonsaroui, used elements that evoke the style of Nouveau Art, with the portrait surrounded by intricate patterns of lines, geometric shapes, as well as graceful, feminine curves.
Notably, materials such as red lace fabric, buttons, stockings, black fibers, and flesh-colored lottery balls, which the artist used to create shapes against a dark red and black background, serve as symbols directly linked to the themes of gender and beauty culture for women.
The use of yellow, which highlights and illuminates the woman's body, evokes a mix of fascination, caution, and emotional balance through the green tones, which suggest a reminder of societal norms women are expected to follow.
Amidst the cultural shifts affecting the values of women in Thai society, the artist perfectly presents the emotions and perceptions of Thai women through the use of color and materials in a contemporary manner.
Furthermore, the artwork completely reflects the internal conflict interpreted through ethical issues concerning humanity, morality, appropriateness, gender health and the complexities of unwanted pregnancy.
Check out more arts from Thailand at Thailand Art Up Close.
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