"Assistant Professor
Atiyot Sankaburanurak"
Visual arts works in contemporary media
Srinakharinwirot University
Thailand
CREATIVE WORK
"Saen Saep:
The canal of life
and pollution"
This work's main idea is that Thai society has been dependent on water since ancient times. Since ancient Thai society is mainly agricultural, the society depends on the rain to cultivate various crops to make a living, including using water for consumption. In addition, water is used for cleansing the body in daily life. Therefore, water is the origin of the culture and traditions, livelihood, trade, and activity along various canals and waterways.
In addition to fish, many types of aquatic animals are important food for Thai people. This abundance of fish could be an indication of the numerous population living along the river. This is further indicated with the Thai saying, "In the water, there are fish, in the rice fields there is rice". Canals are important as they act as both a source of water and transportation. Bangkok used to have many canals, and for that reason, it has been dubbed the “Venice of the East”, especially Saen Saep Canal, which is the most famous and used canal in Bangkok. The canal stretches from the Chao Phraya River to Prachinburi and Chachoengsao provinces.
Canals in Bangkok are used as important transportation routes as they are effective and inexpensive. There is an express boat service on the eastern route to Bang Kapi. Moreover, a western line to Phu Khao Thong, and also an eastern line which passes through the area of Srinakharinwirot University Prasarnmit (Asoke), make transportation in this area more convenient.
As per the reasons stated above, I found the inspiration to create works of visual art paintings. The paintings use various techniques mixed with concepts and symbols under the name "Saen Saep: Canal of Lifestyle and Pollution", inspired from the daily life of having to cross the footbridge over Saen Saep Canal, and seeing the boats running to pick up and drop off many people. Even at night, you can hear the sound of the boat’s engines. Bangkok, the metropolis that never sleeps, allows people to ride passenger boats and absorb the history of this canal. The paintings were created and combined with inspiration from artists' ideas and creative techniques.
The creative painting work is called “Saen Saep: Canals of Ways of Life and Pollution”. It is a creative work in the form of abstract painting. The painting was inspired by life on both sides of Saen Saep Canal. Using a combination of techniques and methods with acrylic paint, Chinese ink, charcoal, and linseed oil, I chose a method that blends painting techniques with abstract art presentation.
In addition to the aesthetic benefits of art, it is also a transfer of concepts. Through interpretation, the aim is to communicate the importance of the Saen Saep Canal. Therefore, it is crucial to care for and preserve the stories around the canal.