MOCA BANGKOK Presents the “Mammals” Exhibition
Mixed Media Artworks Created from the Heart by Visanupong Noonant
MOCA BANGKOK is proud to present Mammals, a solo exhibition by Visanupong Noonant, a passionate artist who turns every ordinary idea into extraordinary art. This exhibition reflects the relationship between humans, nature, and the meaning of existence. The exhibition is open for free viewing from February 8 to March 2, 2025, at the Rotating Exhibition Hall, Ground Floor, MOCA BANGKOK.
Visanupong Noonant, an independent contemporary artist known in the art world as “Noonant,” collaborates with MOCA BANGKOK to open this solo exhibition titled Mammals, showcasing mixed-media sculptures. The exhibition allows visitors to experience the beauty of art that simulates nature through mixed media techniques, while also prompting reflection and questions about the hidden meanings to be explored through the heart.
Kanachai Benjaroongkakul, Director of MOCA BANGKOK, spoke about the exhibition: “MOCA BANGKOK is proud to support Visanupong Noonant’s solo exhibition. This exhibition is a connection point between the artist and the audience in a profound and meaningful way, offering a perspective that may lead to new inspiration. Noonant’s work tells a story and presents the artist’s unique viewpoint, acting as a mirror reflecting our own identity—our body, mind, and culture. In a world that is rapidly changing, this exhibition helps us stop and reconsider the relationship between humans and nature. It uses art as a lens to reveal the deep connections in life and encourages us to think about how we can make the world a better place, as we are all part of the same world.”
MOCA BANGKOK hopes that visitors will find inspiration, tranquility, and a sense of connection with the world around them after experiencing this exhibition. It encourages us to view animals, humans, and nature from a new perspective and inspires a desire to contribute to balance and sustainability in the lives of those around us. The museum invites Noonant’s fans, as well as art lovers, not to miss this exhibition.
Visanupong Noonant revealed that the idea for this series of works began from exploring his own heart. He enjoys creating artworks, whether through painting or sculpting, with “women” as the central theme. This led to questions that expanded into seeking answers through various disciplines, including science, behavioral studies, history, culture, beliefs, and even social media, eventually resulting in 12 pieces of art united by the theme of “mammals.” This exhibition celebrates womanhood, highlighting the beauty and thought-provoking aspects of “motherhood” from both a human perspective and reflected through various animals. Each piece symbolizes a unique experience that viewers are invited to interpret on their own.
“Although ‘Mammals’ is the title of the exhibition, the central theme of all 12 pieces is actually ‘the heart.’ It represents both the biological organ that pumps blood to nourish the body and the spiritual meaning that symbolizes love and the bond. Mammals differ greatly from other species on Earth in their long pregnancy period and evolutionary development that allows the mother’s body to produce milk for the baby. It’s undeniable that the bond between mammals is stronger than that of other animals,” said Visanupong Noonant.
Mammals consists of 12 works, each of which features two main elements: women and animals. These elements reflect and interact with each other, opening up new ways of understanding life and mammals.
For example, Whale, which Visanupong Noonant chose as the main feature on the exhibition poster, is the largest mammal in the world. Despite its evolution allowing it to breathe above water, it still resides in the ocean. The whale not only survives but grows to become the mighty ruler of the sea, symbolizing the image of women often seen as weak and struggling for survival, despite nature’s evolution making them bear the sacrifice of pregnancy and the pain of bringing another human into this world.
Bull, one of the most striking pieces in the exhibition, portrays a naked woman with a red cloth standing before a fierce bull, symbolizing the Spanish tradition of bullfighting. This centuries-old sport still doesn’t fully embrace gender equality, as there are only four female matadors in Spain today. This reflects the unequal treatment of women in certain professions.
Elephant, another work stemming from Visanupong Noonant’s personal experience with family loss, depicts the elephant, the mammal with the longest pregnancy period of 22 months. The artwork refers to the Thai proverb “When an elephant dies, you can cover it with a lotus leaf but it won’t hide it,” encouraging viewers to find out for themselves what remains hidden in the piece.
In addition to these three works, visitors will encounter other captivating mammal-themed pieces, such as Cat, Lion, Zebra, Bull, and Rhino. The interpretation and questions that each visitor draws from the works will depend on their personal perspective and experiences. Noonant hopes that art lovers will come and experience the exhibition with their own eyes and hearts at the Rotating Exhibition Hall, Ground Floor, MOCA BANGKOK, every day, free of charge, from February 8 to March 2, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (closed on Mondays). For more information, you can contact 02-016-5666 or email [email protected].
