In the aftermath

From the age of ten, Pannaphan Yodmanee learnt traditional painting techniques at her local Buddhist temple. Through years of refining traditional painting practices, she has formed a deep understanding of philosophies and cosmologies inherent in Thai Buddhist art, which she now transforms into densely layered installations.

‘In the aftermath’ 2018 resembles both the decaying murals in the ruins of old temples and the rubble of demolished buildings. The installation is based around three key elements: rocks and stones from the artist’s hometown representing the natural world; found objects and fragments of buildings; and miniatures of Buddhist icons and sacred stupas, which have been created by the artist in a range of materials. Shrouded in small, vivid paintings together with heavily layered wall treatments and found objects, Yodmanee’s installation illustrates Buddhist narratives. It also chronicles the formation of individual and regional identities, and explores South-East Asian histories of migration, conflict and loss, as well as destructive human tendencies. In doing so, Yodmanee’s works have developed a new platform for Buddhist art, while they simultaneously capture the interconnectedness of art, religion and history in contemporary Thai society.

Exhibited in 'The 9th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art' (APT9) | 24 Nov 2018 – 28 Apr 2019