Patpong Portraits: Capturing the Soul of Bangkok's Red-Light District

Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is an enchanting destination known for its vibrant culture, exquisite temples, and bustling street markets. However, hidden amidst the neon lights and crowded streets lies a darker side of the city—one that has intrigued and captivated artist Chris Coles for years.

In his compelling series of artworks titled "Patpong Portraits," Coles provides a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the heart of Bangkok's notorious red-light district. Through his stirring paintings, he explores the complex lives and emotions of the individuals who inhabit this vibrant but often stigmatized neighborhood.

Patpong Portraits

by Chris Coles (Paperback – February 11, 2019)

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
Item Weight	:	9.3 ounces
File size	:	9259 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	400 pages
Paperback	:	98 pages
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.24 x 8.5 inches

FREE

The Patpong Experience

Patpong, situated in the bustling district of Silom, is renowned as Bangkok's oldest red-light district. Lined with go-go bars, nightclubs, and street vendors selling everything from provocative clothing to counterfeit goods, Patpong has long been a hub of activity for locals and tourists alike.

Chris Coles immersed himself in the vibrant chaos of Patpong, spending countless hours observing the district's inhabitants and carefully capturing their stories through his brushstrokes. His artworks not only depict the physical beauty and sensuality found in this environment but also delve deeper, offering a glimpse of the emotions, struggles, and dreams that lie beneath the surface.

Portraits That Transcend Boundaries

What sets Coles' "Patpong Portraits" apart is his ability to transcend the labels and preconceived notions associated with the red-light district. His paintings depict the dynamic range of human experiences, highlighting the vulnerability and strength within each portrayed individual.

Through his masterful use of color, texture, and brushwork, Coles captures the thoughts and emotions of his subjects in deep, contemplative ways. Each stroke tells a story, every color choice evokes a feeling, and the collection as a whole becomes an intimate tapestry of life in Patpong.

A Call for Empathy and Reflection

As viewers gaze upon Coles' "Patpong Portraits," they are invited to move beyond judgments and expectations, allowing themselves to connect with the humanity of the individuals depicted. Coles seeks to evoke empathy, challenging us to question our own biases and perceptions about the red-light district and the people who call it home.

Through his exhibitions, Coles aims to break down the barriers that separate us and encourage dialogue about the social issues surrounding places like Patpong. His art becomes a catalyst for change, prompting conversations that challenge the stigmas attached to the red-light district, revealing the complexity and humanity of those often hidden in the shadows.

An Artist's Journey

Chris Coles' exploration of Patpong began years ago when he first arrived in Bangkok as an expatriate. Intrigued by the vibrancy and diversity of the city, he was immediately drawn to the red-light district—an enigmatic place that many people choose to ignore or dismiss.

Driven by a desire to understand, Coles spent countless hours conversing with the locals, forming connections, and immersing himself in the night-time world of Patpong. These experiences ignited his creativity and inspired him to create his "Patpong Portraits" series, bridging the gap between art and reality.

The Legacy of Patpong Portraits

Chris Coles' "Patpong Portraits" have garnered international recognition, shining a light on the complexity and beauty of Bangkok's red-light district. Through his paintings, he challenges societal norms and encourages viewers to confront their own biases and preconceptions.

As his art continues to reach new audiences, Coles hopes to change perceptions, spark conversations, and foster greater empathy for those who inhabit the red-light districts around the world.

The Evolution of an Artist

Chris Coles' journey as an artist is far from over. Inspired by the success of "Patpong Portraits," he continues to explore the intersection of art and society, shedding light on marginalized communities and challenging societal norms through his evocative artwork.

Through his unwavering dedication and unique perspective, Chris Coles invites us to reconsider the labels we place on individuals and communities, reminding us that behind every face, there is a story waiting to be told.

About the Artist

Chris Coles is an internationally acclaimed artist known for his thought-provoking portraits and ability to capture the essence of diverse communities. Born in the United States, Coles has spent the past two decades living and creating art in Southeast Asia. His work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, earning him widespread acclaim.

To learn more about Chris Coles and his captivating artworks, visit his official website: www.chriscolesgallery.com.

Patpong Portraits

by Chris Coles (Paperback – February 11, 2019)

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
Item Weight	:	9.3 ounces
File size	:	9259 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	400 pages
Paperback	:	98 pages
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.24 x 8.5 inches

FREE

Located at the center of the vast and sprawling metropolis known as Bangkok, the notorious district known as Patpong is only a couple of rundown blocks, strewn with garbage and stray dogs, filled with stalls selling tawdry counterfeit goods, a sleazy row of go-go bars staffed by a few thousand girls who didn’t make it into the hi-end of the Bangkok Night and a thousand or so ladyboys wacked out on drugs, hormone injections and too much silicone.The millions of tourists who each year wonder through Patpong and make it all possible come from all over the world. Not exactly shining examples of First World bliss, they are often grotesquely overweight, dressed in a shabby assortment of sweat stained t-shirts, shorts and flip-flops, and weighted down with knapsacks, cameras and shopping bags filled with worthless knick knacks. Many of them are drunk and jetlagged, their faces showing the pain of unfulfilled and despairing lives.What these First World Ambassadors are looking for in the primordial mire of Patpong is an indecipherable mystery, even to themselves. As for the Thais, Patpong’s simply a place to work and make money. No matter how strange and shoddy the endless river of foreign tourists may look, by some set of circumstances very few Thais comprehend, these primitive beings are usually loaded with cash and happy to spend it on items which appear to be completely unnecessary. Counterfeit watches that last only a few months, girls who don’t actually want to have sex, ladyboys who are not even girls but do want to have sex and an endless stream of beer that will pass through their bloated bodies in less than an hour.At some point, the Patpong District will be torn down to make way for gleaming hi-rise offices and whatever Patpong is presently thought to be or actually was will gradually recede into the realm of mythic recollection, a moment in time between Bangkok’s murky Third World past and its bright First World future. Perhaps one day, the portraits in this book will be all that’s left……….