Memorable Thailand Visit

Discovering Thai Mural Painting and Temple Art – A Cultural Study Tour

Five students including me had been sent to Burapha University for the detailed  study of paintings and sculptures. We take this opportunity to thank the teachers and students  of Bhurapha University  for their  kind cooperation  and consideration.

One of the most impactful experiences was observing the Suvarnabhumi Airport’s Palazhimadhanam installation and other artwork made using gold leaf. This opened our eyes to the deep spiritual and artistic value of gold in Buddhist mural art, much like the sacred elements found in Kerala mural art and Indian traditional painting. In both traditions, storytelling through wall art plays a vital role in preserving history and spiritual values.

For the  study purpose we visited several Buddhist temples . The most attractive and beautiful among them was the gold decorated  murals and sculptures of Wat phra  kaew temple in Bangkok. Most of the mural paintings are based on Ramayanam stories. We saw very minute and detailed work in each and every painting. Much similarity  could be seen between indian traditional painting and Thailand mural painting.

In Thailand, they use natural colours  for mural paintings. They prepare walls by giving a coat of the  mixture of jaggery, lime and other mixtures from nature. The most attractive  feature is  the fixing of gold on the ornaments of their paintings.

We copied the traditions of Thai mural paintings which we feel most attractive to our books and then to canvas. The graceful composition, color harmony, and symbolic details of Thai mural painting left a lasting impression on us and continue to influence our artistic practice.

The sanctuary  of truth in Pattaya which is fully made up of Teakwood  was the most beautiful  and exciting building in Thailand. The sculptures  in this building  are based on the three god concepts  of Hindus and the concepts of Buddhism. The minute and exciting work of this building had started since 1980 and expecting to be completed by 2050.

The colourful  paintings, the beautiful  sculptures and other  handicrafts  of Thailand  are ever memorable. The training given by the teachers and the hospitality of our friends in Thailand  are the most valuable gifts that ever had in our life and we will remain in our memory for ever.