Saving Face

Thai culture is modest and conservative, making it difficult for people to express negative feelings due to a belief that it is a sign of weakness, which could lead to social rejection. This means many Thais hide their feelings to ‘save face’. This body of work looks at alternative expression and experience of emotion through colour.

Complex dynamics of emotions are held within the concept of ‘saving face’. Systems of behaviour modification enable ‘face’ to not be lost, and for the reputation, dignity and honour of a person or collective to be retained. In conservative cultures, individuals typically act with restraint to protect their self-esteem and perception by peers.

But, in medical science, unexpressed emotions can lead to mental health problems. In the most recent COVID-19 lockdown in Bangkok, it was not easy for me to experience overwhelming waves of feeling, despite telling myself that this is another illusionary phase. This pandemic outbreak reminded me that it is impossible to express emotion publicly due to the boundaries within society.

I am comfortable, however, expressing my feelings through my art, and this is one outlet that I am privileged to have.

This series is composed of photographs akin to watercolour paintings, with various immutable forms and blended colours. It represents my changing feelings, which are difficult to explain publicly due to social boundaries during recent lockdown restrictions. Made through a continuous journey of self-reflection, building on my previous work, The Colours of Emotion, where I used colour as a metaphor for emotions, this project also reflects on Paul Ekman’s ideas of emotions as an ongoing process.

I hope this will help those who fear publicly expressing feelings to consider the depth of emotions within us and reflect on the forms of expression they have, for their benefit and others in society.

About the Artist

Bryce Watanasoponwong (b. 1974) is a Thai-Australian photographer now based in Bangkok after many years practising in Sydney. Taking inspiration from the societal engagement and visual illusion found within our shared public spaces, his work is influenced by Abstract Expressionism and contemporary forms of candid, political and collaged imagery.

Know more about Bryce Watanasoponwong on www.bryce-art.com

Venue: RCB Photographers’ Gallery 2, 2nd floor, River City Bangkok

Free Admission 

*River City Bangkok is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. with strict preventive measures against Covid-19 and limitation of visitors inside all exhibitions.