Whitestone Gallery Singapore is pleased to present “Happy Together: Visions of Gladness from Southeast Asia”, an exhibition that explores how happiness is expressed, shared, and celebrated across cultures. From immersive installation to bold visual expression, it captures the rich emotional landscape of Southeast Asia — where laughter, tradition, and togetherness converge. It reveals happiness not as a fleeting emotion, but as something intentionally nurtured, shaped by the strength found in unity, even in adversity.

We present Thai-Japanese contemporary artist Yuree Kensaku in the exhibition, who is celebrated for her vibrant, surreal artworks blend pop culture symbolism and mythology with dark humor and explore the social, political, and personal themes through playful yet provocative aesthetics. In this interview, we explore how her unique cultural and social lens, shaped by a dual heritage, allows her to navigate and critique both Thai and Japanese cultural narratives. Yuree’s artwork offers insights into the complexities of identity, gender, and societal expectations that resonate on both a personal and universal level.

Yuree Kensaku “Allergic Reactions” 2016, 360.0 x 470.0 cm, Acrylic and mixed media on canvas

- You have received international recognition for a vibrant, surreal style with pop culture symbolism. Can you share how your unique artistic style has been developed?

Kensaku: My work involves distilling reality into a world of art to communicate and showcase the subjects that interest me at any given time. My subjects are drawn from specific content across different periods, which shapes the imagery I create. It’s also influenced by my personal tastes. The symbols and themes I use are often things people can relate to—like thoughts, life, religion, or events from various eras. There are also elements of specific details from my personal life, so viewers can connect their own thoughts to my work.

Yuree Kensaku “Sailor Sun VS The UV Monster” 2024, 42.0 x 47.0 cm, Hand-pulled screenprint on Mohawk Via Vellum 285 gsm, glitter and UV

- Your recent artwork Sailor Sun VS The UV Monster (2024) has demonstrated a unique and creative use of UV lights in the artwork. What was the motivation behind? Are there any fun facts in the creative process to share with our audience? 

Kensaku: One cause of skin disorders arises from excessive exposure to UV radiation, which can lead to pigmentation irregularities. 

I have encountered this health issue in the past year and I still cannot find out its exact cause. Around the same time, I discovered the technique of silk screen printing using UV-sensitive ink on paper and decided to combine both elements.

UV-sensitive ink becomes visible only when exposed to a UV flashlight or sunlight with sufficient UV levels. In the work, Solar Sailor is using the sunbeam laser (inspired by the warrior of the moon, Sailor Moon) in battling the "fly demon," which only appears after excessive UV exposure. In Thai we call these dark spots on the skin "kee maleng wan" (fly’s poo).

Yuree Kensaku “Eternal Friendship” 2023, 59.0 x 76.0 cm, Acrylic, marker, pen, glitter, collage, ping pong balls and ping pong paddle on wood

- Do you ever see yourself experimenting with any other mediums?

Kensaku: I have been experimenting with various mediums like sculpture, animation, large paintings like murals and street art, and graphic design. If a new and other medium emerges, I would love to get my hands on them.

- What guided your selection of artworks for this exhibition? Could you share the central message or key takeaway you hope the audience will walk away with?

Kensaku: Being happy is a skill that requires practice. I like to transform trauma and sadness I have for myself or society into inspiration for creating lighter works. Turning depression into colors. Using cheerfulness to ease the weight of the content. It demonstrates a willingness to coexist with the world, facing all problems without escaping them, even unavoidable ones, while constantly contemplating life.

Happy Together: Visions of Gladness from Southeast Asia