Modified by several computer algorithms to resemble an oil painting, this Skyler photo is intended as a meditation on destiny. He took the base photo in Chiang Mai (New City), Thailand; a pleasant city but removed from the hustle and bustle of important urban centers. The title plays on "Boogie Nights," a film whose plot has a lot of ins and outs and ups and downs in terms of its characters trying to break out of the ruts they find themselves in.
The woman in the center of this piece is on the cusp of middle age but is still beautiful. She has done well for herself as we see for she holds a smartphone; has a precious stone ring on her right hand; is eating in a nice restaurant (the expansive and elaborate ceiling), and is drinking alcohol--the Thai beer Bintang.
She seems, however, not satisfied. She's dining alone and is staring off in the distance as if she would rather be somewhere else. The wooden bowl in front of her is empty. Her glass is half full--good or bad, depending on one's perspective.
The beer's name, Bintang, means "star" in Thai. A star is someone who shines in society. Stars also are said to guide our destiny. Notice the bottle is turned, so we only see the letters "TANG." Tang in English means a strong or subtle flavor that persists against a more basic taste. It may represent "desire beyond the ordinary." Further, "tang" in Thai is slang for money. Perhaps the woman doesn't have enough money to realize her dream and take the next step in her life's plan?
In the background, we see a younger, less elegant girl. She is in the shadows despite the bright external lights. She also has a smartphone in her hands like the woman at the table. She appears to have come to the restaurant by motorbike but does not look like she will enter the restaurant. Her purpose is unclear.
This is the story "bintang nights" hopes to tell. Do you think the woman at the center of the work will catch her dream?
