I (curator) am quite interested in the term "Tango" used by Peter Nitsch, a German photographer, in this photo series. The Tango dance style has an intriguing characteristic, transitioning rapidly from intense movements to serene stillness. Peter's work captures the dance in a bustling city full of chaos. The unstoppable desire for growth and development reaches its climax and comes to a sudden halt. In this mesmerizing and vibrant song, we are watching, marveling at the dynamic dance captured in the peculiar photographs of Bangkok, reflecting the truth in an awakening and straightforward manner.

          

          

This work is a combination of documentary/street photography and conceptual photography. The main focus is on exploring the metropolitan city of Bangkok over a period of time, capturing various people and situations, ranging from the lives of individuals from different social classes, from the "somebody" to the "nobody." We witness the struggles of people who have never been equal in the same circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the direct portraits of different individuals in the photographs are intriguing, as they go beyond capturing mere candid moments like the familiar street photography. These images convey something that cannot be explained solely through sight and gesture.



Besides the main theme; GREED, GROWTH, and ANGST are symbols that represent an idea emerging amidst swift and chaotic movements. The artist's consciousness seems to transcend the immediate imagery, drifting into a trance-like state. The alternating depictions of narcissism, materialism, and consumerism resemble the actions of a person devoid of mindful intention. A youth wrapped in golden foil paper is wandering through various places, boasting an illusion of sustainability that is no different from the golden foil he is wrapped in. We witness the anxiety inherent in the situations faced by each individual. The final chapter serves as a reflection of a youth wrapped in gold, yet paradoxically bound by cheap plastic as a means of protection against impending disaster. It's a dark comedy that reminds us of the fragility of life, encapsulated by the juxtaposition of gold foil and opaque plastic. Nevertheless, we continue to don these symbolic elements and enjoyably dance the tango within this strange city.

Peter Nitsch is widely regarded as Germany's renown documentary art photographer. He has been honored with significant awards, including the Los Angeles International Photography Award, and currently resides and works in Munich and Bangkok. His photographic work centers around the clash between Thai identity and the forces of globalization.

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Tango in the Big Mango
A Solo Exhibition of Photography by Peter Nitsch
Curator: Akkara Naktamna

8 July – 26 August 2023 9 September 2023
[Opening party Sat 8 July, 6.30 – 9.00 pm.]

Kathmandu Photo Gallery
87 Pan Road, Silom,
Bangkok 10500 Thailand
Opening hours from 11.00 am – 06.00 pm. Only Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday