While studying at the Thai Art Department, Faculty of Painting, Sculpture and Graphic Arts, Silpakorn University, Supanwasri Ngarmpanja, also known as Lazuli, often visited temples. It was during one such visit to Wat Arun Ratchawararam that Supanwasri first encountered Benjarong plasterwork. She was impressed with this unique art form.
Although she was drawn to the plasterwork decorated with tiles at Wat Arun, it was actually the complexity and beauty of the Benjarong plasterwork at Wat Pho (Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram) that sparked her interest in this type of art.
Supanwasri explained: "While the tiles attached to the structures of the temple of Wat Arun were less complex, the tiles at Wat Pho were cut and assembled into more intricate images and various shapes. For example, they would create the shape of feathers and assemble them to form a bird.
"This craftsmanship could provide an illusion of movement rather than being motionless. Thai traditional patterns at Wat Pho were also elaborately designed. After seeing the Benjarong plasterwork at Wat Pho, I was very intrigued and began to search for information about the stucco technique that was used with the plasterwork and incorporated this method into my own work."
Supanwasri started researching the stucco technique and began to create her own artwork.
Initially, she focused on learning traditional techniques. One of her early pieces successfully won second place at the 38th Exhibition of Contemporary Art by Young Artists organised by Silpakorn University.
Journey Through Time No.1.
"I spent a year creating that piece, so I was confident that my work would win an award. I was glad to receive the award since it pushed me to meet other artists, judges and viewers. That experience inspired me and reignited my passion for art," she said.
Currently, Supanwasri has her own solo exhibition "New Movements In Traditional Thai Arts" at People's Gallery in Seacon Square Srinakarin. A couple of months ago, the exhibition was displayed at People's Gallery in the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. Supanwasri said that she aimed to showcase her exhibition at these galleries because they are spaces dedicated to art enthusiasts.
"Since visitors know that People's Gallery is a great place for displaying art, I wanted to open my exhibition here. I enjoyed chatting with visitors in these galleries and felt like this was a place where I could meet people who shared similar interests. Additionally, I had the opportunity to see other artists' work which inspired me even more," she said.
"New Movements In Traditional Thai Arts" showcases both past sculptures and the latest. The earlier pieces, Journey Through Time No.1 and Journey Through Time No.2, which were created in 2019, are Benjarong plasterworks.
Other pieces such as New Movements In Traditional Thai Arts No.1 To No.5 and In Full Bloom No.1 To No.4 are plasterworks with plastic elements. These pieces were brilliantly designed to resemble traditional Thai design tiles. Upon a closer look, viewers will discover that the adornments are plastics.
These plastic elements take the shape of popular characters such as Doraemon, Brown (a bear character from Line) and Ultraman, and some were cut from baskets or keychains. This approach demonstrates the unique and creative perspective of the artist.
"My earlier collection followed traditional practice, so the materials used in the process were similar to the original work, but there were adjustments of colour tones and compositions. The latest collection is more playful and freely used different techniques and materials," Supanwasri said.
Journey Through Time No.2.
She explained that the concept she chose was inspired by Thai architecture in order to reflect the virtues of people in the past.
"The exhibition was created through a process that I admire. However, instead of using ceramics, stuccos are adorned by plastics imported from China via online shopping. This approach serves as a symbolic connection to the historical practice of importing ceramics from China. The exhibition also reflects how our culture and our consumerism have changed."
Supanwasri revealed that before using plastics, she tried to think out of the box. Initially, she tried wood and metal before discovering that plastics were the best choice.
"I began my search for a material that could replace ceramics, but it must have similar qualities to ceramic which are durability, glossiness, vivid colours and intricate patterns. After experimenting with wood and metal, I tried plastic and discovered that it sparked viewers' interactions. Viewers would start conversations with other viewers or with me, pointing out where they saw plastic character figures that they recognised. Some viewers, who were drawn by the bright and lively colours, commented on how pretty the colours were. These interactions made people connect more to my work."
In addition to stucco art, the exhibition also showcases many mortar sculptures in the form of animals and vases which Supanwasri shared that the sculptures were inspired by mural art and stucco art in temples.
New Movements In Traditional Thai Arts No.3.
"There were sculptures inspired by images of elephants in Himmapan Forest and Siamese cats. I wanted to adjust these characters from mural and stucco art in temples to be more approachable. I connected these characters to the present day by using modern colour tones, patterns and materials. For example, flowers made from Lego reflect modern times. Using Lego and bright colour tones creates interactions with viewers."
Even after working on stucco art pieces for five to six years, Supanwasri still finds creating artwork challenging.
"Once the plaster dries, it is difficult to attach plastic elements or change the shape due to the hardening of the plaster. The challenge is to plan meticulously and follow the process precisely. After years of experience, I discovered that wrapping the plaster with plastic to prevent air exposure helps to slow down the hardening."
Supanwasri currently works as an art teacher at an educational institution, which allows her time to create more artwork. She hopes that visitors will enjoy viewing her exhibition.
"I hope that viewers will appreciate the beauty of Thai sculptures which are enhanced with unique and distinctive styles. I also hope that this exhibition will inspire visitors and allow them to enjoy the carefully selected materials in each piece. Additionally, I want this exhibition to be a space for exchanging ideas among viewers."
"New Movements In Traditional Thai Arts" runs at BACC Pop Up, People's Gallery P3, 3rd floor at Seacon Square Srinakarin until Dec 15. Admission is free. For more information, visit instagram.com/lazuli.baji.
In Full Bloom No.1 To No.4.
New Movements In Traditional Thai Arts No.5.
Lucky Thing series.
From left, New Movements in Traditional Thai Arts No.3 and Pathways
Pathways.
