Cherdwood Sakolaya, an award-winning photographer, is reviving mythological characters through his exhibition "Angel", which kicks off at Pullman Bangkok Hotel G today.
A photograph by Cherdwood Sakolaya.
Before the arrival of the film era, Thais knew only how to paint on temple walls. With those paintings, they evoked the stories and personages from mythologies of every rank of being, including Nang-Fah or angels.
These angels were depicted as wearing beautiful crowns decorated with colourful gems, sprinkling flower petals on people who were walking by, and dancing in harmony with their angelic companions.
In contemporary times, it is surprisingly rare to be able to see angels like those in the traditional paintings.
However, as most Thais believe that angels have a role to cure human sorrow, we can sometimes still see a play with angels dancing together at many important traditional Thai celebrations and festivals.
The "Angel" exhibition is the pride of Cherdwood who wishes to continue the legacy our ancestors have passed on to us.
"Even though my contribution is just a small portion, the expression and transfer of this heritage to future generations carries forward the deeply marked characteristics of Thai style and artistic culture," said the 39-year-old.
His photos were captured on black-and-white Kodak film and copied onto fibre-based paper, which is now difficult to find. However, this enhances the value of his works and means his photos are collectible items.
Cherwood is renowned for being able to capture moments of real communication in their most honest, raw and sincere.
He strives to communicate with his models, heart-to-heart and without barriers, settings or planning _ only intuition.
His work is the result of interactions during these encounters.
