Finding Abstraction @ BACC
Nida Sampattavanich
Finding Abstraction is a exhibition that includes 28 sculptures, created by four Thai national artists and an artist of distinction, who are widely considered to be pioneers in abstract and contemporary art.
Held at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (through September 18), the exhibition was inspired by a case study on modern Thai abstract sculpture carried out by Asst Prof Tuksina Pipitkul, who studied the works of four Thai artists - Chamruang Vichienket, Nontiwat Chantanapalin, Inson Wongsam and Khemarat Kongsook.
A Wealth of Diversity
One of the principal definitions of the word abstract is, “apart from concrete shapes, specific objects or actual instances”. Abstract art is widely understood as being an art form that's difficult to understand and relate to. But, in my opinion, certain aspects of the works of art on display at Finding Abstraction do allow visitors to gain a certain amount of insight into the participating artists' thoughts and beliefs.
According to experts, the creation of a sculpture is simply based upon eliminating the unnecessary and preserving only the essential parts. The most important aspect in the process is not a physical implement, such as a chisel or other form of tool, but the artist's creative input.
Chamruang Vichienket, a National Artist (1996) in the field of visual arts (sculpture), appreciates the simplicity of Buddha images from the Sukhothai period (1238-1583). For that reason, he avoids intricate details and focuses on simple forms and lines in his work.
Most of Chamruang's works, such as a composition called 'Curve', feature a smooth, reflective surface that's similar in form to the kind you see on statues of the Buddha. But in his 1994 work, Soonyata ('Non-Self'), which takes the form of a circle, representing Dhammajak [the Buddhist concept of a never-ending circle of birth and death]). The artist has successfully managed to blur areas of the statue by using a rough surface, which represents the perishable nature of existence on earth.
Buddhist Impressions
Khemrat Kongsook, who received the title 'artist of distinction' at Thailand's National Exhibition of Art in 1995 (under the sculpture category) is another artist whose works appear to be heavily influenced by Buddhism. The artist's early works focus on geometric forms, although he has continuously experimented with other forms and concepts. You can also see traditional Buddhist influences of the kind you might encounter within a temple.
One of his works, 'Monument of Memory' (see photo, left), was inspired by traditional forms of stupa (chedi), along with panpoom (a traditional form of flower arrangement on a tray with a pedestal, which is used to pay tribute to persons of great importance). The external surface is decorated with small seyma, which is a form of heart-shaped, temple boundary marker. The bell-shaped sculpture appears to have been cut open and probably refers to the overwhelming sense of grief experienced when losing a loved one.
Inson Wongsam, a National Artist (1999) in the field of visual arts (sculpture), began his career by focusing on rather more concrete forms of art before gradually shifting towards abstraction while living in New York City (from 1965-1974). Living in the United States during a time when many forms of modern technology were developing rapidly, Inson created over 400 machine-like metallic sculptures entitled, 'Under the Sea Sculpture'.
On returning to the kingdom in 1974, Inson built a studio at Baan Huai Fai in the northern province of Lamphun. After watching villagers burn down age-old trees to add space to their plots of farmland, Inson decided to put the wood to good use by using a method of 'free' carving – something he would later refer to as, “carving wood to be wood”. Inson's creative adventures, ranging from his experiences in New York City to his woodcarving pursuits in Lamphun clearly demonstrate his willingness to continuously experiment with new mediums and materials.
Works created by Nonthivathn Chandhanaphalin (see photo, right), a National Artist (2006) in the field of visual arts (sculpture), revolve around the idea of happiness and 'wholeness'. His early works focused on the intrinsic contours of the human form, but he later shifted towards the abstract and developed his own individual style, which concentrates on the use of round, organic forms, clean lines and smooth surfaces to express this sense of wholeness.
In a composition entitled 'Growth', the sculpture appears to 'grow' from the ground up, as would a regular plant, before expanding into what he refers to as a “universal form”, which can be interpreted to signify a blossoming flower, female breasts or other natural forms.
Finding Abstraction will continue through September 18.
The BACC opens from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 9 pm. For further information, visit the center's official website at http://www.bacc.or.th.
Transport Connections:
Train: Take a BTS skytrain to National Stadium station. Disembark from Exit 3, which will lead you straight to the BACC.
Credit: TAN Network (www.tannetwork.tv)
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