Q&A: Josef Polleross
Q&A: Josef Polleross
January 26th, 2008
Australian by birth, Polleross began his career in photography in New York, but took up residence here in 2005. He has exhibited in Egypt, Austria and NYC and is now showing a solo exhibition, Triptychs (see +art page 20), at La Lanta Gallery.
You work involves disappearing cultures in SEA. Why?
When I first came here I was shocked about the lack of traditional Thai culture I found in Bangkok, with the exception of some temples and spirit houses. It looks like any other big city—Starbucks, McDonald’s, shopping malls... Food stalls and street vendors still give the city some identity, but I’m afraid in some years they will disappear too. Interesting old shophouses and villas are torn down to make room for ugly sterile high rises. All that’s left is a shopping culture, which is wiping out what is unique about Thailand. The klongs, a unique and beautiful part of old Bangkok, are basically open sewers now. I am sure art can make people aware of what is going on— but not enough to provoke actual changes.
Why the use of triptychs?
It adds depth to what I want to say; a single image is not sufficient.
What is the most alarming/annoying trend here?
Shopping and consumerism.
What makes a good picture?
Those that depict more than just the scene you see, that make you wonder or question what you see.
What’s the most scenic place in Bangkok in your opinion?
The scenery along the river and the area around Songwat Street. Saransri Prawatpattanakul
.jpg "Escape Routes: Nov14, 2008")
