Studio 88 Artist Residency’s artists from the Gender Fluid Evolving Identities residency program have been featured in Passionfruts, an online magazine dedicated to sharing stories of passion.
The “Gender Fluid” residency, launched during Pride Month, brought together six artists from five countries to explore gender diversity. These artists engaged with the local LGBTQ+ community and expressed their experiences through various art forms, including paintings, motion pictures, installations, and technology, resulting in powerful exhibitions.
Rachel Chapman, Artist (Australia)
Rachel, a former political worker focused on gender equality in the Australian Parliament, turned to art during the COVID pandemic to “find themselves.” Art helped organize their thoughts and expanded their creative horizons beyond technical skills. They use art as a tool for activism, provoking new perspectives and engaging with overlooked issues. During their residency, Rachel learned that Thailand’s LGBTQ+ acceptance is more complex than it appears, especially outside Bangkok. Inspired by non-binary identities, they centered their work on water as a metaphor for fluid and ever-changing identities, creating a video and paintings that emphasize gender fluidity and the ongoing journey of self-discovery.
Jonathan Armour, Artist (Ireland, UK)
Jonathan’s art focuses on the human body, using printmaking and augmented reality (AR) technology. Originally an engineer, he turned to art after his father’s cancer diagnosis. He studied art for two years, earned a master’s degree, and has been an artist since 2015. Fascinated by the body and skin, Jonathan’s work explores how technology, especially AI, might shape future human experiences. During his residency, he studied local expressions of masculinity through traditional Lanna tattoo culture and historical gender knowledge. Collaborating with local artists, Jonathan created graphic prints and performance art incorporating AR, merging traditional and modern elements.
Textbytexture (Liyoun Kim & Sono Kim), Poet and Writer (South Korea)
The only duo in the program, Liyoun and Sono, initiated our interview with a fun survey about “imaginary ghosts” related to LGBTQ+ identities, inspired by the Thai legend of Mae Nak Phra Khanong. They engaged ten participants in creating these ghosts, which they used in a video and installation to explore gender fluidity through cultural beliefs.
Their work reflects the harsher reality of LGBTQ+ suppression in South Korea, where diversity is often stifled by a society emphasizing unity and competition. While media visibility has increased, LGBTQ+ individuals still face significant challenges, particularly non-binary and transgender people.
Nancy Lou Rosenheim, Artist (USA)
“Art keeps me honest with myself,” Nancy began. She has been an artist since she was 23, initially incorporating male characters in her work but shifting towards feminist themes as the movement grew in the US. Using drawing, sculpture, and printmaking, Nancy’s work explores human vulnerabilities and experiences, often through hybrid creatures. Inspired by Thai folklore and mythology, such as the Krasue and Himmapan forest creatures, Nancy incorporated these elements into her feminist-themed works using local materials and ideas from conversations with fellow artists.
Dr. Tobias Wiggins, University Lecturer (Canada)
Dr. Tobias Wiggins joined the residency for research purposes. As a professor at Athabasca University, he focuses on feminist and gender studies, mental health, and uses artistic methods in his research, such as digital storytelling. Discovering Studio 88 online, Tobias saw it as an opportunity to integrate art into his academic work. His residency focused on studying transgender men in Thailand, gathering data and experiences to connect with transgender groups in Canada. This immersive experience provided deep insights into Thailand’s gender diversity landscape.
“Engaging with artists and the local LGBTQ+ community has enabled better understanding and broadened my perspective,” Tobias explained. The residency allowed him to explore new research topics and methods, enhancing his academic and artistic endeavors.
Passionfruts celebrates individuals who live by their beliefs and contribute to positive societal change. The magazine’s content is shaped around five key themes: Belief, People, Identity, Work, and Movement, with the aim of inspiring readers to follow their passions and make meaningful changes in their communities.
Passionfruts was founded by Arty Sangsuwan (they/them), a former online media editor from Bangkok who returned to Chiang Mai to engage in community work. Arty, the Head of Storyteller at the magazine, is passionate about sharing stories of people’s passions and enjoys running the magazine.
Discover more about Studio 88 and its inspiring residencies:
Interview Director Studio 88 Artist Residency https://passionfruts.co/studio-88/
Interview Gender Fluid Artists in Residency https://passionfruts.co/studio-88-gender-fluid/
p.s. the original articles are written in Thai.
Studio 88 Artist Residency 
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