The Buddhist Art Department’s participation in the Thailand Biennale, Chiang Rai 2023, represents a meaningful collaboration that blends spirituality, culture, and artistic innovation. Selected as one of the event’s Art Pavilions, their contribution promises to offer a compelling and thought-provoking experience for visitors. Guided by the visionary leadership of Wathit, the project director, the pavilion’s design reflects a seamless integration of traditional Buddhist art with contemporary approaches. With a profound understanding of Buddhist aesthetics and cultural heritage, the team’s expertise ensures a sophisticated and meaningful presentation.

The pavilion is centered on the theme, The Universe of Buddhist Art, aligning with the biennale’s overarching theme, The Open World. Drawing from Buddhist mythology and the concept of the three realms, the exhibition weaves a narrative that invites reflection and exploration. The centerpiece of the exhibition is a Buddha image depicted in the “Disclosing the Three Worlds” posture, symbolizing the profound interconnectedness of existence. Additionally, the pavilion incorporates elements inspired by the Tung Jai, the Buddhist banner of Mae Fah Luang University. Key symbols such as the castle, rat, tiger, and naga—featured in the university’s Decorative Sculptures housed in its historic first building—are reimagined to evoke the celestial realm. This thoughtful integration offers visitors a unique artistic interpretation of Buddhist cosmology.

Rooted in Buddhist teachings, this artwork highlights the profound importance of the present moment. Through its design, it seeks to awaken a heightened awareness of time and space, inviting audiences to engage deeply with their surroundings and perceptions.

The installation employs luminous and reflective materials to manipulate light and space, encouraging visitors to interact with their environment in thoughtful and intentional ways. By immersing themselves in the artwork, viewers are subtly reminded of the beauty and significance of living fully in the present.

The dynamic interplay of reflections and shadows creates a sense of timelessness, offering a captivating and meditative experience for those who take the time to observe and reflect. Through its thoughtful composition, the piece transforms a fleeting moment into a profound encounter with the here and now.