“𝙋𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙈𝙖𝙣 𝙊𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙖 #5 (𝘼 𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙖𝙣 𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙥𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨)” (2009) by Manit Sriwanichpoom is a staged photograph that continues the artist’s iconic use of the “Pink Man” character—a man dressed in a bright pink suit pushing an empty shopping cart—originally conceived in the late 1990s. This figure has come to symbolize the artist’s critique of consumerism, materialism, and the emptiness of modern life.

In this particular composition, Manit blends the character into a backdrop reminiscent of traditional Thai folk theater, such as likay or Thai classical opera. The elaborate costumes and theatrical gestures create a surreal, almost satirical tableau that feels both humorous and unsettling, while carrying sharp cultural and political undertones.

The title refers to an ancient Indian parable in which blind men each touch a different part of an elephant and come to vastly different conclusions about what it is. This metaphor speaks to the fragmented, limited nature of human perception—aligning with the themes of illusion, confusion, and delusion that run through the image.

Visually, the photograph juxtaposes traditional Thai aesthetics with modern absurdity, flamboyant colors with stoic expressions, and ornate beauty with a sense of artificiality. The result is a vivid critique of how contemporary society struggles to reconcile cultural identity, spiritual depth, and capitalist desires.

Ultimately, this is not just a photograph—it is a powerful visual commentary on Thai society and the disorienting effects of globalization and consumer culture, told through Manit’s signature style of visual irony and theatricality.