We are lost. Then found.
Represents the error ridden road of individuals that precedes the path to enlightenment often expressed in the Buddhist culture by the unalome symbol.
Monks traditionally draw this symbol on or above doors in a wide variety of locations, even sometimes on cars.
The bases are made of various materials such as marble, concrete and steel; they express the original life path of different people. They are inorganic, expressing a false foundation.
The vertical structures are made of wood and refer to a tumultuous organic growth towards the light. Some pieces have Neon Flex strips conveying inward or outward reflections.
Art and the Intolerable Death Toll in Thailand
After a tragic automobile accident in 2017, the topic of road safety helplessly took centre stage. Thailand globally ranks very high in terms of road deaths per capita and it became apparent that art could be used as a lightning rod to start conversations around the topic.
Deep diving in the topic by volunteering with the Sawang ambulance first responder team in Huahin made a lot of sense at the time. The palpable vulnerability immediately felt by the victims following these violent accidents, often involving motorcyclists with little or no protection, fueled the creative process.
Influenced by the immensely talented John Chamberlain and Dirk Skreber, a poignant exhibition on the topic is in the works.
(1) ‘‘St-Serpico of Samut Sakhon’’ / 122 x 122 cm / Acrylic, Coconut Husk, Vinyl, Neon, Wood
The undercover cop character, played by Al Pacino in the 1973 Serpico movie, fighting against corrupt police officers, is often portrayed as a talisman or good luck charm for truckers against police bribes often requested at road blocks in Thailand.
(2) Untitled / 244 x 122 cm / Acrylic, Charcoal, Canvas, Ceramic, Neon on Wood
Abstract use of the ‘‘TAX ID’’ document for my vehicle. This piece is about the fragility, the chaos and confusion experienced after a wreck.
(3) ‘‘Discarded’’ / 52 x 43 cm / Acrylic on Aluminum
This is actually the door of a pick-up truck I found at a junk yard nearby. It was the point of impact of the accident that caused the death of the truck owner (I have a copy of the accident report). I crushed the door with a manual hydraulic press for hours until it looked like a discarded ball of paper.
Inspired by a variety of traditional masks in Thailand, the works shine a light on a family of brands, galleries, government agencies, foundations etc.
The masks are presented with a matching husk piece telling something more about the brand.
(1) ‘‘Persian Guillotine’’ 244 x 122 cm / coconut husk, silicone, acrylic on wood, fuel nozzles
(BP Oil)
(2) ‘‘Falali’’ 244 x 122 cm / coconut husk, neon on wood
(Marlboro and Ferrari)
Production is currently under way.
Mud Men performance with local farmers during the Phitakhon Festival parade in little known Dansai located in the Loei province of Thailand.
The Mud Men are ghosts from the forest that make merit guiding Buddha towards a temple.
One of the most fun deep dives I’ve done in cultural matters.
Living in a Coconut Republic
Coconuts trees are the source for some of the healthiest products we have such as extra virgin coconut oil and coconut water.
Husks are a byproduct of coconut harvesting. Often discarded, it is commonly used for gardening.
Huskism is my material exploration throughout various artwork: my masks are made from the tree, my paintings feature parts of the husk along with the hanging collages.
During the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020, fruit farmers were hard hit in Thailand. Realising this, the Bangkok Art Biennale organised an artist-led campaign called #MangoCOVID to support the mango industry.
This piece is an expression of the unnecessary massacre of sorts that was perpetrated on this fragile seasonal industry employing a large amount of day labourers.
A Groundbreaking Residential concept
Enjoyed close to 2 years of creative freedom conceptualizing and designing an avant-garde residential project in the Pudong area of Shanghai.
CUSTOM AIRSTREAM EXTRAVAGANZA
My deep love for vintage Airstreams was finally indulged when I got the opportunity to drive a vintage one around California, Nevada and Utah for a few weeks. We later purchased a vintage one that was built on spec for us and shipped to Shanghai.
Airstream lovers please find me.
Fatherly Art Education
Similar eye for design and appreciation of the abstract. A unique body of work spanning more than 40 years, experimenting with metals, jewellery, painting and various drawing methods.