.........Spirituality in contemporary Thai art is a unique mainstream that will continue to represent Thai cultural expression. Incorporating elements and values of both past and present, it contributes to the changing context, style and expression of contemporary Thai art.

Contemporary Thai artists will continue to explore their cultural and traditional values from their own perspectives and inner sense of values. Those whose subject matter lies outside the religious context have occasionally expressed spiritual ideas that con be related to Buddhism, or at least reflect some spiritual inspiration in their works. More importantly, we are able to comprehend Buddhist and spiritual notions, the tenets of Buddhism and the Buddhist visual vocabulary that are interpreted and expressed in their works.

The expression of spirituality will remain significant in Thai art and heighten awareness of the existence of the spiritual in art expression. For as materialism and suffering attach to our physical world, there thankfully remains the promise of the spiritual in the world of the artist. Through contemplation of these works, the challenge and dynamism of contemporary Thai art may contribute to a spiritual reawakening in this material world.

Lertsiri Bovornkitti, Perth/Bangkok,
August 2002