Life During Natural Disasters Depicted in Visual Arts

"Dependence" by Suwanee Sarakana

Water World 2011 (Dependence) (2012) by Suwanee SarakanaArt Centre Silpakorn University

The national disaster which took place in Thailand in 2011 greatly impacted the lives of those residing along Chao Phraya River and several provinces nearby, damaging belongings, living conditions, and properties. 

Such disaster has inspired the art under the title “Dependence” which is a part of "Water World 2011" painting series created and submitted to the 12th Silpa Bhirasri Creativity Grants by Suwanee Sarakana.

The ways people conducted their lives in the community shifted as they had to adjust to the flood, migrating to the roofs to get away from the water.

They had to travel on boats or any floatable items instead of on land.

Apart from the feelings towards the natural disaster, the dimensional textures on the canvas also bring forth a realistic quality of objects painted in the picture. 

Daily items such as woven mats, pillows, loincloth all uniquely reflect the characteristics of the locals. 

 It is considered not only a way to commemorate a huge disaster in history but also depiction of perspectives towards the “Dependence” of local people and humans as a whole.

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