Artist : Pradit Tungprasartwong
Technique : Oil on canvas
Year : 2019
Size : 150 x 175 cm

Pradit is an artist-teacher who is a regular in the art competition circuit. He holds an MA in Sculpture and a BA in Painting from Silpakorn University. Such combination is not an oddity since he is known for his “combine painting”.

“What Did Buddha Teach?” Is an extension from a large scale sculpture under the same (English) name. The painting centres a wrinkled old female face, where each crack and fold tell a story of life. The sombre and grey colour tone suggests a life near ending as her head lies sideways, resting on a bed of flames engulfing the skin little by little. Parts of the face still has visible skin pigment but most parts have already become ashes. In one of her eyes, a recognisable figure is present, a representation of the Buddha, signifying the eye that sees the Dharma. When it is time to pass on, one must meditate and quiet the mind, bringing peace to the dying. 

Such poignant realistic imagery as expertly painted by Pradit is one of the reasons why his works are often prized at art competitions. His fine brush skills and ability to paint the complex human emotions onto canvas is no easy feat.

Having suffered physical and mental ailments, Pradit has for the past few years concentrated on healing himself with the teachings of the Buddha through meditation and art making. As a result, his recent works therefore explores deep philosophical analysis concerning human behaviour and the cycle of life.