Exploring the Concept of Self in Sareena Sattapon's Upcoming Exhibition

Sareena Sattapon: When You Find You in the Middle of Emptiness

A highly anticipated exhibition featuring the works of Thai artist Sareena Sattapon, titled "When you find you in the middle of emptiness," will take place at √K Contemporary in Shinjuku, Tokyo, from July 5 to August 2, 2025. This exhibition represents a significant moment in Sareena's artistic journey, where themes of self-discovery and social critique intersect.

Born into a minority ethnic group in Thailand, Sareena has garnered attention as an emerging artist, earning her Master's degree from Silpakorn University in Bangkok and, most recently, her Doctorate from the Tokyo University of the Arts in Global Art Practice. Throughout her academic and professional career, she has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious CAF Award in 2022 and the Nomura Art Prize in 2024. Her work often challenges societal norms and highlights the connections and disparities between individuals and their communities.

Sareena's artistic practice revolves around the visual representation of complex social issues, urging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths regarding inequality and relational dynamics. Her diverse techniques, including performance, installation, and painting, enable her to communicate profound insights into contemporary society, prompting dialogues about existence and interconnectedness. The artist's projects reveal a strong desire to resist social disparities while uplifting the spirit of equality and shared happiness among individuals.

With her upcoming exhibition, Sareena aims to encourage visitors to appreciate the importance of pausing and reflecting amidst the chaos of modern life. The pressure to constantly move forward can make the act of stopping seemingly unattainable for many. However, she asserts that taking time to consider where we are and where we want to go is essential for growth.

The exhibition will showcase a rich array of works, including paintings, photographs, videos, and installations, as well as new pieces from Sara's latest series, "When you find you." This new body of work is characterized by a warm embrace that invites viewers to explore the tender intersections of hope, memory, and self-awareness.

In her artist statement, Sareena reflects on the often-overlooked quiet moments that are central to the human experience, stating: "Maybe life was never about the climb but about the quiet in between." This sentiment resonates through her new series, where the exploration of memory unfolds an unfiltered landscape of our inner truths—both the memories we carry and those we have hidden away.

By revisiting her past and integrating these reflections into her current practice, Sareena presents a collection that signals a shift toward prioritizing inner peace and connection over societal critique.

The exhibition will culminate in a meditation event featuring a sound therapist on July 26, allowing attendees to engage deeply with the ideas of rest and introspection that Sareena champions in her works.

As an artist poised for recognition, this exhibition serves as a pivotal point in Sareena Sattapon's artistic career and invites all visitors to contemplate their own lives and the broader societal constructs that shape them. We look forward to seeing how this talented artist's new phase of work sparks inspiration among audiences and contributes meaningfully to the arts community.