Arts Network Exhibitions

(Wall > War)

by Sai Wannaphon Chimbanchong

I would like to bring attention to the violent incidents that have occurred in Thailand between 2005 and 2010.  I am presenting a ceramic installation with graffiti styled paintings to express the shock felt by everybody.  Like a storm in the centre of Bangkok, rain drops transformed into the bombs and body parts of the innocent people involved.  I feel sorrow for every life dead and ruined – each of which I believe to be innocent – but to be considered as pawns dying for power hungry men playing their dirty games.

The coup d'état in 2006 added fuel to the fire on each side.  People are easy to forget and become confused.  there have been many attempts to brush aside all the evil and corruption our ex-prime minister Tax-Sin has done to our country.  The Military Tank as a symbol represents the dictator's slaughtering of the people.  People don't discuss the 7th of October where the police killed civilians.  The red tailed readers and intellectuals seem pleased about the death of fellow countrymen with opposing thoughts.  What has happened to this beloved country?  Whoever the people are fighting and dying for – the result is pointless, it is the people who will forever be the ones to lose.

In my paintings, I've included my own thoughts, popular proverbs and phrases found in social networking sites such as Facebook, public spaces, graffiti and poems found scribbled in toilet cubicles.  Many of these feelings are kept hidden, people don't shout about it in the streets let alone whisper about them at home.  While painting, many passersby would read the messages I inscribed.  They would praise the phrases which they agree with and quarrel about any condemnations they were opposed to.

I respect everybody's right to their own opinions and people will always have different influences.  We are all entitled to our own free thought and to make our own decisions.   I somebody who takes sides because I don't believe in a middle ground between good and evil.  Saying that, I don't argue for a particular person –  I fight for the principles I believe in and the path I feel is right for us all.  If your ideals differ from mine, it is as it is and I respect the fact we are both fighting for matters we have both considered.

However, if you are only fighting for somebody else whithout thinking "why", then it is not only our philosophies which are different.  In fact, we are complete opposites.

Thank you and please keep thinking.

Sai Wannaphon Chimbanchong