Thanaraj Vangsiripaisal, Bay, explains his photo “Tori in the Afternoon,” which he presented to HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn at the opening reception of the exhibition Pause & Play (see +art page 28).

Year: 2004

Medium: Black and white photograph

Technique: When I was young, every newspaper and magazine was in black & white. No colors. Then, in human perception, black and white photos became somehow a realistic depiction of reality. When I chose black and white, I wanted people to feel that it’s real. And I used film because film is at its peak now. Film production companies have fired their film development department—that means the films we are using now are the best we’ll ever get, right? We should enjoy film while it lasts. Film and paper can be kept longer than digital, as there is no proof yet how long digital photos will last. For paper, there is proof that they will last at least another 100 years, unlike digital cameras or other things produced in the world today. The philosophy behind making things that have lasting qualities is a thing of the past. In the production of my artwork, I still want to hold on to that philosophy. I chose an idea, medium and equipment that will last and won’t soon become junk.

Inspiration: The collection I show in this exhibition is the result of my impressions during my trip to Japan. In this photo, the torii [a Japanese temple gate] represents Japanese culture. These torii show the skill of the craftsmen that made them. When I walked up to this gate, it was around 3 or 4pm and the sun shone down right through it, allowing me to see the layers of them. I think for a professional photographer or photography student, you have to learn that a change in the light can produce a completely different feeling. Saransri Prawatpattanakul