"Naree on a White Horse" by Pakapol Wannao narrates Thai political ideas in recent years, inspired by a prophecy about a "heroine" who would bring peace to the country during times of conflict. Different political groups have interpreted this prophecy in their own way, claiming that someone from their side is the Naree on the white horse.

Pakapol creates a new nationalist story by introducing a necklace with three gemstones—red, white, and blue—which causes chaos in a fictional country as bad people fight over it, leading to widespread unrest. The good people are forced to flee into the forest. A queer Naree then comes down from the heavens to gather the good people and fight with love and goodness, eventually bringing peace back to the country. The prophecy says that whenever the country is in trouble, this Naree will return on her white horse to bring happiness again.

The vivid, colorful photographs combined with a playful digital collage make the content extremely fun. Phakphol’s story is similar to what often happens in our country, where conflicts that can't be solved by normal means lead to calls for the "special power" to solve the problems. These special powers usually operate outside the normal system and seem to have a miraculous ability to create change. The Naree, or whoever rides the white horse, appears to be a part of the special power, and the good people can only wait for the prophecy to come true again in our so-called civilized land.

"Naree on a White Horse"
A solo exhibition by Pakapol Wannao
Curator : Akkara Naktamna

Kathmandu Photo Gallery
(Only Tue, Thu, and Sat)
Between 28 September – 23 November 2024
[Opening Sat 28 September 6.30 - 9.00 PM]