The Right to Voice Out:

Montien Boonma’s Self Portrait (1982) exemplifies his pioneering use of self-portraiture through a collage artwork that integrates mixed media techniques, including paint on photographs and scratches. This piece signifies Boonma’s initial experimentation with self-representation, a theme that he later developed into an extensive series. Through this work, Boonma delved into his individual aesthetics by employing retouching techniques on 35mm film and overlaying it with paint, thereby exploring new possibilities for contemporary artistic expression.

This previously unseen artwork was owned by Chart Korbjitti, who acquired the piece in 1982 as a gesture of support for his Poh-Chang school classmate. Recently, Chart entrusted this artwork to the Museum of Narong Waleeporn Intanate Collection (MoNWIC).

Chart Korbjitti recalls a conversation with Montien Boonma in 1982, ‘where Boonma articulated concerns about the lack of voice for transgender individuals and their struggle for gender equality.’ In the self-portrait, Boonma depicts a man with a newly fashioned mouth, secured with screws, symbolising the reformation and recognition of transgender rights within the nation. Furthermore, the maquillage on the face conveys a sense of humour and re-identity, prompting an open discourse on gender issues.

This pioneering concept of Montien Boonma, who engaged with social contemporary issues as early as the 1980s, highlights his forward-thinking approach. Today, the issue of transgender rights has seen improved acceptance in this country.