Even though internet speeds determine how Thais live in the digital age, this does not stop them from considering the atmosphere and traditional way of life associated with rivers.
The "Life Along The River" exhibition, which is running on the ground floor of Moca Bangkok's Temporary Exhibition 1 and 2 until the end of this month, will make attendees yearn for and desire to relive their original feelings.
This is the first solo show in 12 years by Vorasan Supap and it takes everyone on a journey of life on boats, accompanied by the cycles of life unfolding at different moments.
Culture and traditions are proof that the Thai way of life has long been associated with water. Water is critical in any era, whether for consumption, agriculture or settlement. Rivers are thus like vital blood vessels that sustain people's lives.
People in the past learned to understand nature's uncontrollable ways. Building a houseboat or a raised boat is one way to adapt to the natural environment. Boats are another form that reflects people's relationship with water.
As an artist passionate about the meaning of life along the river for over 35 years, Vorasan uses visual language to describe life on a floating boat. He draws pictures of daily life such as eating, a young woman bathing on a boat, and family including father, mother, children and pets.
His paintings reflect that simple happiness, peace and freedom exist alongside birth, old age, sickness and death. Also depicted is life on an eiam jun, a large container ship with the front part used for cargo and the back part for a residence.
Images of eiam jun boats floating on the river tell the story of Thai people's lives from the past to the present, which are linked to the river. The temples in the background are meant to represent Bangkok, which was once known as the Venice of the East.
Moca Bangkok is located at Kamphaeng Phet 6 Road and opens Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm.
Visit mocabangkok.com.
