Introspection – Gongkan Solo Exhibition

Introspection, the exhibition is the first series of works as a part of Gongkan’s “Soulaport Project”, an ongoing psychology research and artistic exploration. In this exhibition, Gongkan purposefully explores his past, present and future prospects in order to fully understand himself. Paintings and a sculpture are combined with an interactive digital psychological platform. Viewers can follow a discovery into the artist’s mind, while at the same time, reflecting his or her own perception.

Artist: Gongkan (Kantapon Metheekul), Venue: Tang Contemporary, Bangkok, Period: Nov 6-Dec 12, 2021

Introspection, the exhibition is the first series of works as a part of Gongkan’s “Soulaport Project”, an ongoing psychology research and artistic exploration. Further developing and expanding on his teleportation concept, this series is an internal journey – 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 to step into new possibilities.

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

Human beings are constantly working between a real and an ideal self. We want to reach our full potential, with self-actualization, while balancing between how we see ourselves and how others perceive us. Social conditions and context are inevitably affecting our mentality. Any doubt or disagreement can cause the feelings of disconcertion and loss. In the last decade, the world has seen a major 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.

In this exhibition, Gongkan purposefully explores his past, present and future prospects in order to fully understand himself. He also 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. Paintings and a sculpture are combined with an interactive digital psychological platform. Viewers can follow a discovery into the artist’s mind, while at the same time, reflecting his or her own perception.

For Gongkan, this exhibition is both a creative journey and a necessity. It is the sole journey to find happiness and to find the balance that comes with fulfillment and understanding. 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”.

News:

https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/social-and-lifestyle/2201551/a-journey-into-the-mind

https://groundcontrolth.com/blogs/25

https://www.artnet.com/galleries/tang-contemporary-art/introspection-gongkan-solo-exhibition

https://www.timeout.com/bangkok/things-to-do/introspection-by-gongkan