Exhibition Review: Má: Tommy Kha at Higher Pictures Generation
May (Betwixt), Whitehaven, Memphis_2015
Courtesy the artist and Higher Pictures Generation
Written by Anvita Brahmbhatt
Copyedited by Chloë Rain
Má (Southern Vietnamese term for mom), a photography series by Tommy Kha, explores the confusing relationship between the photographer and his mom, May. A series of six photographs, each one gives the viewer a glimpse into the everyday life of May and her playful dynamic with Tommy. He explores themes of home, love and alienation through the lens of humor. The series is a collaboration between the artist and his mom, and a look into their lives together.
Tommy Kha was born in 1988 in Memphis, Tennessee, currently living and working between Memphis and Brooklyn. He received a BFA from The Memphis College of Art in 2011 and a MFA from Yale University in 2013. Similar to Má, Tommy's previous exhibition Soft Murders explores his relationship with his family and his identity as a Chinese-American growing up in Memphis. Tommy uses photography as a tool to create a space for others in his community and represent experiences of an Asian-American. His camp and dramatic stylization of his subjects creates a layer of humor, and makes his subjects accessible and more personal.
The photographs are printed on pigment print. Five of these photographs were taken in Memphis, the photographer’s hometown, while one was taken in California. Tommy chooses simplistic backgrounds for the photographs and focuses on the portraits of his mom and himself.
May (Mirror, Mother, Mirror) features May’s face in a mirror as she holds the mirror. The background is a wooden panel and everything but her face is blurred. Her eyes look directly into the camera. She has a frown on her face. The photograph has no color contrast, and the background blurs together, except for May’s face that pops out. May (Betwixt) features May lying on the floor, with a plain expression, looking into the camera. Tommy isolates May, as she is the only subject in the photograph surrounded by the dark carpets and white walls. The bright blue color of her shirt stands out, and she stands out in the photo. Tommy’s portraits of May have her in conventional surroundings, but in unfamiliar poses. There is only a close-up of her eyes, where it is very difficult for the viewer to gauge her emotions. In these photographs, May is very aware of the camera and looks directly at the lens.
May (A Costume Drama) is a photograph of May and Tommy, with stickers on their faces. Tommy wears a heavy costume in royal colors of gold and blue and he holds a fan. The photograph seems to be taken in his house. The colors are of the same palette, except for their clothes. May’s pink top is in contrast to Tommy’s gold, and the stickers on their face hides their real emotions. May (in April) features the mother-son duo, avoiding eye contact as Tommy looks uncomfortable. He contrasts the portraits with a bright blue wallpaper. The photographs of the mother and son create a carefree, yet unsympathetic relationship. It is unconventional, and a beautiful representation of Tommy and May’s unique individualities.
Mine (VII), Twentynine Palms, California_2017
Courtesy the artist and Higher Pictures Generation
Má is a visual recreation of Tommy’s perspective of his relationship with his mother. Tommy’s photography series sums up his conflicting yet warm feelings for his mom.
