Sculpting Buddhism

A collection of sculptural works by Anupong Chantorn, who is inspired by Buddhist beliefs and folklore, will be displayed at the "The Land Of Virtue -- The Land Of Karma" exhibition at Ardel Gallery of Modern Art from tomorrow to Oct 1.

The exhibition focuses on the Buddhist concept of merit and sin and the belief in hell, the human realm and heaven as featured in Traibhumikatha, the first Thai Buddhist literary work of the Sukhothai period.

Living things in the realm of woe are portrayed as ugly and disfigured as a result of their bad deeds. Yellow robes and alms bowls of Buddhist monks are modified into different shapes and forms to symbolise the deception made by those who exploit the monkhood.

An installation of 69 works made from shining metal portray disproportionate alms bowls with a coin slot on the covers that symbolise their function as piggy banks and the misconception about merit-making that is not based on pure minds.

The shining surface of the sculptures and their curves and bulges give distorted reflections of the surrounding objects including the faces and bodies of the viewers. This affects the viewers' perceptions, as well.

Also on display are 16 sculptures of hungry ghosts sitting on a monk's yellow robe that show the artist's inimitable imagination in portraying the appearance of the demons. The swollen, skinny, tall or squeezing bodies reflect Buddhist teachings and ancient folklore.

The flat level over which the sculptures are placed side-by-side is compared with "the land", an empty and wide space on which the drama of life takes place. It also affects the viewers' reactions, as they can choose whether to stop and just look from a distance or walk in closer and step into the robe-covered area.

Ardel Gallery of Modern Art is on Boromratchonnanee Road and is Tuesday to Sunday, 10.30am-7pm.

Call 02-422-2092.