Artist Talk with Wannita Tankeng
A conversation on light, abstraction, and artistic influences after her exhibition at Tang Contemporary.
Wannita Tankeng, Moonlit Lily. Credits: Tang Contemporary
Q: First of all, congratulations on your recent show at Tang Contemporary! To start, this quick interview I have a question: light seems to play a significant role in your paintings. How did you come to this choice?
A: First of all, thank you so much! It’s an honor to have my work exhibited at Tang Contemporary, and I truly appreciate this opportunity. I am fascinated by the way light reflects off objects, creating interesting highlights and reflections. This fascination has been a major inspiration for my creative work.
Q: While your paintings are figurative, they often verge on the edge of abstraction. Do you see yourself fully stepping into abstraction in the future, or do you currently feel more inclined toward figuration?
A: I do not strictly focus on whether my artwork should be abstract or realistic. My creative process involves observing reflections through transparent objects, revealing unique perspectives that encourage viewers to use their imagination to see new images. However, some original forms remain visible in the artwork, making it semi-abstract.
Wannita Tankeng, Plastic Aesthetics No. 1
Q: Are there any artists who have had a strong impact on your work or whom you particularly admire?
A: Attasit Pokpong has influenced my approach to planning and structuring my work, making the process more systematic and efficient. Once, I had the opportunity to visit his studio, which greatly ignited my inspiration for creating art.
Q: Many of your works are on a large scale, and some are painted on round canvases. Is the choice of canvas format a deliberate artistic decision?
A: Choosing the frame for an artwork involves careful thought about the message I want to convey to the audience. For larger pieces, I aim to play with the viewer’s perception. Meanwhile, circular frames are part of the "12 Zodiac Signs" series, symbolizing the twelve constellations.
Wannita Tankeng, 12 Zodiac Signs. Credits: Tang Contemporary
Q: Your work appears to have a “scientific” component in the way you meticulously examine light and its interactions with transparent or semi-transparent everyday objects. At the same time, there is a strong “emotional” element. These two opposing forces coexist on the canvas. What kind of balance between them are you seeking?
A: Creating an artwork is like expressing an impression or emotion that has had a strong impact on me. Through thought and emotion, that impression is transformed into a piece of art that reflects my identity and personal interests.
Wannita Tankeng, 12 Zodiac Signs. Credits: Tang Contemporary
Wannita Tankeng, Plastic Aesthetics No. 2
Q: How do you see the current contemporary art scene in Bangkok? Are there any artists of your generation you are particularly fond of?
A: In my opinion, art in Thailand is gaining more attention. Many new galleries have opened in Bangkok, providing greater opportunities for emerging artists to showcase their work. This is a positive development, as many young artists today are highly skilled and bring unique techniques and creative ideas to the art scene.
Q: Thank you for the time and good luck with your future projects.
A: Thank you.
Read here our article about Wannita's latest exhibiton at Tang Contemporary
About the Artist
Wannita Tankeng (1999, Phuket Thailand) graduated with her Bachelor of Fine Arts from King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang and her Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) from Silpakorn University.
Selected solo exhibitions include: “Selenophiles”, Art Focus Bangkok (2024); “When the Daisy Bloom”, Sky View Hotel Bangkok (2023).
Selected group exhibitions include: “Paradise of Eden”, L.O.F. Gallery, Bangkok (2024); “House of Hungry Ghost”, River City Bangkok (2024); “Symphony of Colours”, M Contemporary, Bangkok (2024); “Invisible”, Liberty of Art Gallery, Bangkok (2024); “Art Thesis Exhibition 10/10”, CURU Gallery, Bangkok (2024); “The Andaman Art Exhibition”, Medova, Bangkok (2024); “Flower in Love”, River City Bangkok (2024); “Jabchai”, CURU Gallery, Bangkok (2024); “Infinity”, Sathorn 11 Art Space, Bangkok (2023); “Childhood Memory”, Galleria Benetti, Pattaya (2023); “The 38th Exhibition of Contemporary Art by Young Artists”, The Center for Art and Cultural in Commemoration of H.M. the King’s 6th Cycle, Nakhon Pathom (2022); “The Outstanding Thesis Exhibition of 2022”, Queen’s Gallery, Bangkok (2022).
You can find more of Wannita's work at her Instagram