Interview with Sakulchai Sikitikul / #URBANinsights
#URBANinsights are a series of exclusive interviews and insights dedicated to the winners of URBAN Photo Awards. The #URBANinsights of today is an interview with Sakulchai Sikitikul, winner of the 2022 edition of the contest for the category Book Award, with his book “Life Explore Soul”, chosen by Susan Meiselas.
Thank you for taking time to talk to us, and congratulations on winning the URBAN Book Award 2022 for your work Life Explore Soul.
How long did it take you to put together the photos in the book and did your thought process about the content of the photos evolve as the book progressed? If yes, then in what way did your thinking change?
First of all, many thanks to the organizer for inviting us to talk this time. This book is a compilation of my street photography from 2010-2019. which is the beginning and experimenting with different techniques of street photography. I have gradually gaining experiences from various mistakes. But the overall concept remains the same, capturing the moments of the society in which I lived or travelled in different contexts. Those images helps record the progress of that society.
What do you want the viewer to imagine when they see the title Life Explore Soul? Which photo in the book best symbolises the title and why?
In this book I have included some of my personal favorite photographs. And not based on anything in the social world, the number of followers, the likes (these images used to be on Flickr) were lined up to create a continuity of viewing. Therefore, if I had to choose one picture that represents this book. It would be impossible.
Some of the images in the book reveal more when the viewer spends more time on them.
For example, the image showing masts and ropes of multiple fishing boats with the outline of a man squatting with his hands in front of him in the centre of the frame. The man is not instantly visible amidst the chaos. And one wonders whether he is reading, or praying or something else, each of which can lead to a different feeling.
What did you wonder when you first saw this scene? What thoughts came in your mind?
My images are influenced by many things. In this image I was influenced by Henri Cartier-bresson’s photography, which is to look for graphics or geometry. This picture was taken in 2019. I went to take pictures of fishing boats at the pier. I noticed the lines of the ship’s mast. It’s very interesting like the lines we use to draw. Then I slowly walk around to see people. I noticed a man Presumably sitting for a break after work (or currently sitting and resting preparing to set sail). I keep shooting to get the frame I need until the moment is over.
In your book you said that you “. . . believe in cultivating ideas. Same place, different time. We shall reap more perspectives.”
By ‘perspectives’ do you mean a change in the framing angle or a change in the content or both? From multiple possible perspectives in the same place or scene, how do you choose a perspective that satisfies you best?
It’s about individual experiences that can’t be explained. Putting yourself in the situation that will give you the best shot, moment, direction of light. It’s about learning from your mistakes from what happened.
In some of your pictures it’s not immediately apparent what’s happening in it. But once the viewer looks deeper there are surprises to be found.
For example in the image above where a man in colourful costume, probably taking a picture, covers a woman, only her hand is visible. Only later does one notice the mysterious golden pagoda-like tip rising above his head, reminding of a Buddhist temple.
Do you consciously use mystery as an element of your composition and is the key to your photography? In what way does a mysterious element in a photo help the photo?
Mysteries in street art are fun for the audience. It depends on each person’s experience and imagination. But each shooting I can’t force it to happen. A lot of times it’s something that surprises me as well.
How has your relationship with Songkhla changed after photographing it for many years? Do you look the same way at Songkhla now as compared to when you first began photographing it?
Street photography made me notice many things. And open up new perspectives of Songkhla, which is my hometown. Songkhla, in my view, has always changed.
You have paired photos around patterns, actions, colours and other interesting similarities. And when seen together as a pair they bring a smile to the face.
Do paired photos happen by chance or do you make an effort to look for a scene that would help you pair it with a photo you have taken before?
I take my photos in many different ways. Sometimes I might be interested in color or light before the events in the picture take place. And many times unexpected things happen.
Tell us about your approach to photography. Do you plan your photo walk the same way for both new and familiar places/streets or do you plan separately for each?
There is nothing like rules for going out and taking pictures. Maybe go for a walk or go out to take pictures at various festivals or important events in the city. Just be prepared.
Where do you draw your inspiration from that informs and shapes your photographic eye – movies, books, photographers?
There are many photographers including film directors in my favorite movies that inspired me. Like Henri Cartier-Bresson, Alex Webb, Nikos Economopoulos, Josef Koudelka , Susan Meiselas, Mary Ellen Mark, Roger Deakin, Gordon Willis, Roy Andersson and etc.
In what way has your background in art and design and the experience working in an Ad Agency shaped your approach to photography?
Having a graduated in advertising design and art institute has greatly influenced my way of framing and composing in photography. Photography often inspired by classic paintings.
What would you tell someone wanting to enter into photography? How should they approach photography and why?
I don’t have much to say because street photography is something that takes a lot of time and willfulness. You may not get what you want everytime you do. But be patient. Most people just aren’t patient enough to live up to the moment of success.
Where do you see yourself as a photographer two years from now and what do you hope the visitor takes away with them after seeing your photography?
I hope that I continue to take photography as a serious hobby and that my work in photography may continue to inspire people I find to come up with new ideas for street photography.
