Located in the middle of downtown Bangkok next to Phloen Chit BTS, a 10m-high art installation titled Liminal Space is a tree adorned with traditional Thai mirrors. Created by Sanitas Pradittasnee, an artist and landscape designer, the spectacular work offers a space for contemplation in the city.
"Nowadays, many people experience mental health issues due to the overwhelming amount of news. We are bombarded with information to the extent that it becomes difficult to keep up. When I was a new graduate, I used to respond to only faxes and emails, which allowed me to have some time for myself. However, now we have to respond to instant text messages in real time," said Sanitas.
"I recently returned from a meditation session in the countryside where there was no water, electricity or phone signal. Without a mobile phone, I had more time. The experience allowed me time for self-reflection, gave me more energy and helped me find balance in life."
Liminal Space is one of the highlight pieces of Sanitas' solo exhibition, also titled "Liminal Space", at Noble Play in Phloenchit. On one side of the installation, there are steps leading to an entrance that allows viewers to find a peaceful moment amid chaotic traffic. The exhibition showcases several intriguing installations which convey opposing messages.
"Each piece of work is related to two opposite things: fiction and reality, the external and the internal, or existence and non-existence. I aim to create a contemplation space for people to spend time with themselves and observe changes in surrounding nature. This inspiration led to the exhibition title 'Liminal Space'. The exhibition is also an opportunity for viewers to arrive at their own interpretations as well as engage in conversation," Sanitas explained.
In addition to Liminal Space, the tallest installation Sanitas has ever created, her renowned Khao Mo captivates viewers with mirror boxes that reflect the surroundings and create mesmerising illusions. Sanitas won the Commended with Merit Award from the Emerging Architecture Awards in 2015 for Khao Mo and was selected as one of the Aesthetica Art Prize 2015: 100 Long Listed Artists.
Sanitas Pradittasnee.
"I was thrilled to receive those awards. The installation was inspired by khao mo which is an ancient Thai art form from the Ayutthaya period. The purpose of this was to simulate nature in order to bring people closer to it, and it also has influences from Buddhist beliefs. I am interested in khao mo in terms of local wisdom. It can take us on an imaginative journey to another world," Sanitas explained.
"Khao Mo as an art installation was adorned with traditional mirrors because I aim to create a space for people to have time with themselves and to find their own inner space. From the outside, the installation appears bright and attractive, but inside, it serves as a sanctuary -- a place where we aim to guide people back to the a starting point and an endpoint, which is the Earth.
"When Khao Mo was displayed at Bangkok Art and Culture Centre in 2013, its mirror boxes reflected the white walls of the art gallery. When showcased outdoors at Park@Siam in Chulalongkorn University, it became a public art piece that reflected the changing natural landscape from dusk till dawn."
Space & Time is a new collection at "Liminal Space" which features many artworks that Sanitas created in the past. Each artwork is named with the latitude, longitude, date and time that it was created. Sanitas explained that Space & Time represents the imprints of different periods, as well as a journey of learning and inspiration. It is a showcase that allows her to see her development.
Moment Of Contemplation displays a collection of intriguing ceramics and fabrics that were inspired when Sanitas' mother was sick and she had to spend time with her in a peaceful place in Chiang Mai.
Khao Mo.
"Moment Of Contemplation conveys a message about memory and the moment of being in present time, rather than thinking about the past and future. Once again, it is a space to encourage people to spend time with themselves. Fabrics signify nurturing and ceramics symbolise marks because during the ceramic process, if there is a mistake, a mark will be left on the ceramics. The shapes of Moment Of Contemplation were inspired by brain anatomy. I once read a book about the brain which states that when we perceive things, it is not solely through the eyes, but involves the brain, giving rise to the process of perception," explained Sanitas.
Another series, Form Of Belief, started from a question about the existence of belief and the forms of belief people hold on to. Sculptures were created in the form of a pagoda from various materials, such as dhamma and science books (Intangible Theory), jelly and silicone (Under The Skin) and ice and paper dust (Impermanence).
The artist explained that Under The Skin, which was made from jelly and silicone, portrays our fragile and unstable inner aspects in contrast to the stability of the pagoda. It serves as a metaphor for people. Impermanence, which was made from ice and paper dust, portrays the rules of nature, which involve existence and decay.
After several years creating contemplative spaces, Sanitas was thrilled to receive messages from viewers who appreciated her works at "Liminal Space", and her installation Garden Of Silence currently on display at Rai Cherntawan for the Thailand Biennale in Chiang Rai.
Moment Of Contemplation.
"I received messages from Thai and international viewers who expressed appreciation for my work. Some of them unintentionally visited the places to view artwork, but they were impressed and wanted to contact me. They told me that the art installations bring a sense of peace to the city. I was glad and impressed that they could understand my messages although I was not there, but the artworks were able to convey the messages by themselves," concluded Sanitas.
"Liminal Space" runs at Noble Play in Phloenchit (next to Phloen Chit BTS, exit 5) until Feb 4. Admission is free. For more information, visit facebook.com/NobleDevelopment.
Intangible Theory, Holding Emptiness and Impermanence.
The 10m-high Liminal Space.
Impermanence.
Under The Skin, made from jelly and silicone.
Space & Time.
