Zenniesha Opakul explains “Bad girls do it well” and her latest exhibition with Khanngoen Nuanual under [Z]ZALEKTA

“It’s really simple because bad girls do it well.” – Zenniesha Opakul 

Many of us are familiar with the anthem, released over a decade ago, “Bad Girls.” Its hardcore energy and message of female empowerment have made it an iconic song that still resonates with many today. The chorus, “Bad girls do it well,” embodies the ethos that Zenniesha ‘Zen’ Opakul wholeheartedly embraces. Throughout her life, Zen was always teased by many that she was a “bad girl.” And yet, although she was seen as mischievous, Zen always got things done with her business-savvy attitude. 

Now, despite being the daughter of the renowned lead singer Yuenyong Opakul, famously known as Aed Carabao, this gorgeous woman has charted her own path. While rumours swirled about her entering the entertainment industry, she opted against following her father’s footsteps. Instead, she pursued her passion for photography, carving out a niche as a freelance photographer and Creative Director of Bad Girls Do It Well Creative.

Zen’s work is a celebration of female beauty and power, rooted in the core values of love, integrity, beauty, and purpose. Specialising in capturing the essence of a female boudoir, she aims to showcase these elements through her artistry. Now, let’s delve deeper into Zen’s world and explore her latest exhibition, a collaborative effort with Khan from Thaithanium.

[All images courtesy of Zenniesha Opakul’s Exhibition]

Zenniesha Opakul explains “Bad girls do it well” and her latest exhibition with Khanngoen Nuanual under [Z]ZALEKTA

As one of the daughters of Carabao, do you ever feel like you’re living under societal pressure? 

I feel like whenever I do something wrong or not and it goes in the news, people will always talk about it and judge me. They don’t know the real me. I’ve been a backstage kid since I was 5 years old so, I’ve seen it all. Nothing scares me anymore, you know? And although my dad is famous, I do not live under his name. In fact, I hardly use his name to advance myself.

Tell us about your hobbies and interests. 

Being the creative director of @badgirlsdoitwell_creative, a 35mm film account, I only shoot female boudoirs to support women’s empowerment. And when it comes to creating art, I’m driven by myself and my ambition. because I always knew I wanted to be an artist and a film photographer.

Besides that, I collect 35mm cameras. I also love to ski, rock climb, go to the beach and sun tan. However, something I’d love to learn is how to surf.

Who are your biggest artist influences? 

I would say my father, Sophia Coppola, Lana Del Rey, and Ugur Araz. 

Tell us what your film account Bad Girls Do It Well is all about.  

I love film cameras and 35mm lenses and how cosy the result comes out. Growing up, my father used to carry a Fuji-Mju II with him all the time, especially in the 80s. This memory inspired me to fall in love with film cameras and different types of 35mm films. You can play around with them if you choose the right film. 

I started @badgirlsdoitwell_creative in France 8 years ago. My first muse was a supermodel as well as a French DJ. I remember how fun the shoot was. I also had my first solo exhibition at Soko Gallery two years ago. And recently, I just had a joint venture with Khan from Thaitanium called “Bad Girls Do It Well Art Selected By [Z]ZALEKTA.” During this exhibition, we displayed my film art to potential buyers. 

My main selling point is boudoir and love. Bad Girls Do It Well is all about empowering women, body positivity, and self-love. I know it’s a cliche but I want the audience to know that whatever body you have, everyone should embrace it and be confident. 

Your core values are love, integrity, beauty and purpose. Could you please dive deeper into these 4 elements? 

It’s really simple because bad girls do it well. She wakes up and goes along doing her things. And despite getting mischievous sometimes that doesn’t mean she forgets to love or have integrity. She always looks beautiful and knows her purpose in life. With that, bad girls really do it well. 

Tell us about your “Bad Girls Do It Well Art Selected By [Z]ZALEKTA.” 

This exhibition is a display of my work that I’ve shot in the past 7 years. The works are films only that embrace the beauty of women’s bodies and sensuality. For this exhibition, I joined Khanngoen Nuanua, Khan from Thaitanium, under his event company called [Z]ZALEKTA. 

Usually, I like to work alone and choose my own art. But this time, it’s different since we’re choosing what pieces to display together. I chose to work with him because I needed a male perspective and I believe that he has an eye for art. Plus, he has a quite unique and tasteful taste. Khan was the right person to collaborate with since when we’re bouncing ideas off each other and picking the art together, we ended up choosing the same photographs, which was really fun. 

What did you hope to share in this exhibition?

That women shouldn’t be ashamed of their bodies. Us women, come in all shapes and sizes, and “Bad Girls Do It Well” hopes to represent that on 35mm film. 

Lastly, what is a “bad girl” to you?

Keep this in mind: “While good girls go to heaven, bad girls go everywhere!” And you can embrace both goodness and mischief simultaneously, just like me, gals.