Nannapas Wangwol

SETSUNAI

This piece originates from a Japanese term often used to express a mix of sorrow and joy, or when desires go unfulfilled. It is inspired by my own pain, which is difficult to fully comprehend. It reflects the emotions I experienced right before capturing these photos—a remembrance of memories that have recently ended.
Though recalling them brings pain, there is always an overwhelming sense of happiness that they once existed.

The result is this series, which conveys these feelings through infrared photography, symbolizing a blend of painful yet clouded joy. The title, Setsunai, carries a deeper meaning, translating to a feeling of constriction or emotional pressure, and this emotional intensity is what shaped this work.

Seho Ko is a photographer whose work explores the multicultural landscape of Yongsan and Itaewon. His exhibitions include “A Thousand Cameras: Yongsan and Itaewon” and the group show “Capturing the Colors of Summer.” His photographs often capture the vibrant energy and diverse communities of these neighborhoods.