We live in the age of cultural globalization. It is in this age of movement and knowledge exchange where traditions assimilate modern culture. A new cultural diversity arises in all areas as well as in art. Modern technology has already begun to influence contemporary Thai art as we know it and even its symbols of faith, the very foundations of cultures. The beauty of the sacred objects of worship which have such profound spiritual effects on an individual's soul can now even be found in the shapes and forms of everyday common objects - the results of today's industrial production processes; even in the children's toy - the robot doll.

Living in today's world made the artist witness to this process of hybridization. Pornwipa wants to create new works that reflect diverse cultural beliefs found in sacred objects of worship and every day objects we encounter. Changing cultural components in traditional art is what inspires her creativity. As artist she sees an opportunity to realize the aesthetic value of contemporary objects which we use in everyday life by combining them into altar-like installations. She composes sculptures and new forms that transcend what we know by combining these modern and ancient symbols together. In blending the natural and supernatural religion becomes a synthetic matter.

The results of the integrated components takes shape reflecting both new artistic and aesthetic value. Her works reflect the phenomenon of cultural values of a bygones era and at the same time contemporary cultural diversity.

-Whitespace Gallery

Image: © Pomwipa Suriyakam