USE OF WAT

In Prasong Padamanuja’s 1958 Cubism influenced piece “Wat Bo,” influences of Buddhism are shown with the use of wat as the theme. Wat are Thai Buddhist Temple and are Thailand’s most characteristic architectural features. It is estimated that there are over 18,000 wat in Thailand.

Prasong Padamanuja Wat Bho, 1958 87 x 107cm Tempura

Another Thai artist that uses Thai Buddhist Temples as his subject is Preecha Thaotong. Many of his works are of the temples and the spiritual environment, which stem from Buddhism. To exhibit the serenity, harmony and essence of traditional Thai art, Preecha mixes in Buddhist values.

Preecha Thaothong Light Form on a Shaded Area, 1977-8 140 x 170cm Acrylic and oil on canvas

CONCLUSION

Today in the 21st century Thai “artists” can either be an “artisan” or an “artist,” as well as both. Buddhism has been illustrated as a main theme and as well as a source for many Thai artists. It is almost impossible to have Thai art that is not religious because their religions play an integral part of their culture.

[note] The color red is traditionally used to paint roofs and ceilings of Thai temples to symbolize the heavens. While the color blue is used to represent the sky. In this website I will be using these two colors on my main page to both portray and promote Thai Buddhism.

 

Jennifer Kuo

Professor Niranjan Rajah
[Design 189]
20th Century Southeast Asian Art
Winter 2001