Naraphat Sakarthornsap
Perfect Flower, 2024
Photograph
33 x 50 cm
“Personally, I feel that when people ask about your sexuality, those questions are very hurtful. And so, this series of photographs was created to celebrate the multiple varieties and differences...
“Personally, I feel that when people ask about your sexuality, those questions are very hurtful. And so, this series of photographs was created to celebrate the multiple varieties and differences in the spectrum of sexuality as seen in the chaba flower (hibiscus). It is a type of flower that has both male and female stigmas in one.
I scoured all 50 of Bangkok’s districts to photograph chaba blossoms, and I discovered them in many different types, colours and shapes, which varied according to the surroundings. When I took my images to show to others, everyone would say, ‘It’s a chaba flower’. No one ever said, it’s a ‘gay’ chaba or a ‘tranny’ chaba. So if we don’t label a flower by its sexual identity, then why do we need to find a marker for those around us by asking such unnecessary questions?”"
I scoured all 50 of Bangkok’s districts to photograph chaba blossoms, and I discovered them in many different types, colours and shapes, which varied according to the surroundings. When I took my images to show to others, everyone would say, ‘It’s a chaba flower’. No one ever said, it’s a ‘gay’ chaba or a ‘tranny’ chaba. So if we don’t label a flower by its sexual identity, then why do we need to find a marker for those around us by asking such unnecessary questions?”"
