Gaze Theory in editing process: In the captivating arena of Thai bullfighting, gaze theory comes to life. This theoretical framework explores the intricate dynamics of spectatorship and power within this ancient cultural practice. By examining how viewers engage with and shape the performance, gaze theory sheds light on the audience’s influence over the entire bullfighting experience. From the combatants to the animals, the gaze we cast impacts the very essence of this tradition, revealing social, cultural, and power systems at play.

The “Violence Gaze”: While less established than the well-known “Male Gaze” in film studies, the “Violence Gaze” delves into how violence is portrayed and observed in media. In our context, the word “gaze” aptly describes how viewers interact with and are affected by violent scenes on screen. Beyond Thai bullfighting, gaze theories often revolve around power dynamics and the portrayal of specific subjects. Jean-Paul Sartre’s existentialist philosophy, for instance, discusses the “gaze of the other” as a source of self-awareness and guilt—an experience of becoming an object under another’s scrutiny. This concept can be extended to encompass the notion of a “Violence Gaze.”

The Artist’s Provocation: Within the combat space, the artist poses a crucial question: Why do people accept violent acts in our society and normalize them? This inquiry lies dormant within us, urging us to confront our complicity and challenge the norms that perpetuate violence. As the bulls bleed and the crowd watches, the artist invites viewer to open their eyes wide—to see beyond tradition and into the heart of our collective consciousness.