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[title]Prominent artist/photographer Visarute Angkatavanich is once again in the limelight with a photography series that captures the charm and beauty of the compelling and colorful fighting fish, also called betta or Siamese fighting fish. An exhibition called The Beauty of Siam: Anantara Siamese Fighting Fish at Anantara Siam Bangkok features over 40 of the artist’s photographs, each one more captivating than the next.
We had a chance to sit down and talk with the internationally renowned artist who is, unsurprisingly, poetic in the way he talks. Visarute takes us through his technique, explaining how he gets “the shot” and what goes on in his mind when he takes these photographs.
This current exhibition is said to be more abstract than your earlier works. Can you tell us more about the technique behind this series?
The technique [I used] is exactly the same as in the previous series. It’s only my way of thinking that’s changed. Before this, I saw the fish the way that they are, so I only pressed the shutter when they turned their faces to me. But the more I spent time taking pictures of these fish, I realized that different angles or perspectives where they don’t appear to look like fish are more appealing to me. So lately, I tend to press the shutter more when they turn away.
Anantara Siam Hotel Bangkok
How long does it take to get the perfect shot?
It takes me longer and longer over time. If I spend the same amount of time as I did before, I’m just gonna get the same amount of beauty in the photos. The difficulty of my job is not about technique, but in changing my way of thinking, such as “how am I going to make the same fish that I’ve spent eight years photographing seem fresh and new?”
What goes on in your head when you’re taking pictures of these fighting fish?
The movement of the fish, basically. I think of how the fish would move so I can get beautiful pictures. But everything is so sudden, because the fish will swim whenever and however they like. It’s like improvising a poem. We have one thing in mind, but when we see a shot, we have to press the shutter. The complicated thing is that we cannot control the fish. But sometimes it turns out that their movements are even better than how we pictured it in our head.
Anantara Siam Hotel Bangkok
Do you have a technique when it comes to choosing fish?
Yes, so basically I just follow my heart. I choose fish that don’t look as perfect as those that are raised for [beauty] competitions. Those fish have the look of the perfect betta fish, which I find to be too…perfect. I took a bunch of pictures and I realized that if we work with something that is too perfect, there will be no more room for beauty left to fill. Lately, I tend to pick fish with old and wrinkled tails because when they turn away, it creates texture that I find more appealing and interesting.
Fighting fish photography is becoming more popular. What do you think about that? Can you say you started the trend in photographing betta fish?
I kind of understand that. When someone initiates art or design, there will be those who follow. But if they genuinely want to be an artist, they should look back at their true self, deep in the ways of what shaped them at a young age, and what experiences they have that they can use to create unique work. The world needs uniqueness. It doesn't need a second-best. If you create the same beauty, it won’t be as interesting as the first. But if they take fish pictures only because they admire the beauty of it, then I think that’s fine. There’s nothing wrong with coming up with the same kind of photograph.
Anantara Siam Hotel Bangkok
Anantara Siam Hotel Bangkok
Anantara Siam Hotel Bangkok
The Beauty of Siam: Anantara Siamese Fighting Fish is exhibited at Anantara Siam’s Parichart Court and lobby until 31 May, and will be moved to the lobby of Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort and the Riverside Plaza on 5 June until 31 July.