U_nderscore Series
Updated: Apr 25, 2022
Project Title: U_nderscore Series
Condition: Ongoing
Date: 09/2019
/ U_nderscore Series is a set of computationally generated portrait artwork which touches upon the concept of language and identity.
Language influences the way we think. The theory is that one’s perception of reality is either determined or else greatly influenced by the language we speak.
Since language is the tool we use to mentally categorize emotions and communicate experiences, one can describe it as the primary method through which we organize and express thoughts. In other words, our mindset is shaped by our native tongue, and learning another language could help broaden it.
Experiences that we may otherwise have thought to be universal, such as that of time, may be perceived differently depending on the language we use to express said experience.
/ Ultimately, what's an identity. What defines people who they are.
And what could be one's highest possession other than their name, written in their native characters, given to individuals since they were born and used throughout their lives.
Some recent research suggests that names can influence the choice of profession.
Where we live, whom we marry, the grades we earn, the stocks we invest in, whether we’re accepted to a school or are hired for a particular job, and the quality of our work in a group setting.
Different culture also has distinct naming structures.
/ U_nderscore series depicts the portrait of 4 Thai figures; King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the ninth monarch and Queen Sirikit Kitiyakara of Thailand as well as their female copper-colored dog Thong Daeng. And also King Chulalongkorn, the fifth monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri.
Each figure in the portrait has been constructed with a combination of Thai and English alphabet written in their names to emphasize the characters whom we all hold in respect.
Top Left: Queen Sirikit Kitiyakara; Top Right: King Bhumibol Adulyadej;
Bottom Left: King Chulalongkorn; Bottom Right: Thong Daeng /
limited edition, 100 prints per figure made from an original work designed by Settawut Leenavong. The print is hand-signed and numbered by the artist. /
The project was published on Designboom: