How can a camera depict the essence of an entire culture? What collection of images can represent the infinite uniqueness of a people and their society? This past Saturday evening, at the opening reception for his Images of Thailand collection, photographer Charles R. Snyder sought to do exactly that. John's Church. Begun as a way to intersect sacred and secular culture, the gallery attempts to challenge the definitions of both.
The artist's reception is underway on the evening of St. John's live music coffeehouse, Spirit Rhythms. The night's menu offers a jazz quartet, complete with cup of coffee and choice of tempting delectables from the local coffee house, coupled with a brief getaway to Bangkok. A far cry from the heat of Thailand, the fervent drawl of the saxophone leads viewers out of their seats and into the pages of Snyder's photographic essay depicting the simple complexities of Thai life.
Mug in hand, it is my pleasure to observe the observations, eavesdrop on the comments and critique, peer over the shoulders of onlookers. A 70's-ish military vet reminisces to a comrade about his experience, "When I was in the service…," gruffly beginning the trek back in time on a three-wheeled Tok Tok through the canvas of busy streets, hotels and meat markets. For a moment I ride along with him to that bar he and his buddies went to one night.
Childish giggles steal my thoughts from the New Year's countdown and I notice a brother and sister, several feet down the hallway, obviously entertained by the photo in front of them. I know instantly which shot has captured their attention. Just above the eye level of their youth, a Thai woman paints a collage of deliberate iridescent strokes onto the arms, shoulders and breasts of an exotic dancer in the heart of the city.
The children's giddy and embarrassed whispers reveal their opinion that this picture should not be allowed. They hurry off laughing in search of a parent who can be made privy to their decision. A young blond woman meets my gaze, her shoulder almost touching mine, as if to ask if I had also seen something more than just glow-in-the-dark paint.
