Timeless inspiration
As a son-in-law of Binh Dinh, the land that was once the capital of the Champa Kingdom, Dr. Pornsawan Nonthapha had the opportunity to come into contact with and then become passionate about Cham pottery. In his artistic journey, he has recreated and revived the value of Champa culture through ancient pottery, combined with the spirit of contemporary Thai art. His works are not only a revival of heritage but also a cultural connection between two Southeast Asian civilizations.
Dr. Pornsawan's "Earth - Water - Fire - Wind" series on display at the 2024 summer exhibition in Thailand
Go Sanh ancient pottery is a living testament to the ingenuity and cultural exchange between Southeast Asia in history. Through his research, Dr. Pornsawan discovered interesting similarities between Go Sanh pottery and Thai Celadon glaze from the Sukhothai period, from materials to manufacturing techniques. This is not only evidence of strong cultural exchange but also a source of inspiration for him to create works that reflect the breath of both cultures.
In his creations, Go Sanh pottery is combined with Bau Truc pottery - a unique heritage of the Cham people in Ninh Thuan. Go Sanh pottery with its smooth kaolin clay and jade glaze, when combined with the primitive features and open-fired technique of Bau Truc pottery, has created a new artistic language. He not only recreates the heritage but also transforms it into a modern creative form, both preserving the traditional spirit and bearing a strong personal mark.
The series of works "Earth - Water - Fire - Wind" is a clear demonstration of Dr. Pornsawan's creative philosophy. These four natural elements are not only raw materials but also spiritual symbols in life and art. Earth is the source, the beginning of all life. Water is the flow of history, carrying the stories of time. Fire is transformation, expressing the power of creativity. Wind is freedom, the vitality spreading beyond all borders.
Dr. Pornsawan Nonthapha (right) at an art exhibition in Thailand
The series of works will be exhibited at the 2024 Summer Exhibition in Thailand and will receive the "Artist with Outstanding Culturally Connected Works" award, founded by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The patterns and shapes in the work are reminiscent of ancient Champa ceramics but are presented through a contemporary lens, subtly combining the two cultures. This is a revival of Champa heritage in a global form, where tradition meets modernity.
The Flame of Heritage in Contemporary Art
Dr. Pornsawan’s artistic journey has not only stopped at the borders of the two countries but also spread to the international arena. From major art exhibitions in Thailand to international events such as art symposiums in India and art projects in the US, he has affirmed his role as a representative face of Southeast Asian art.
Prestigious awards, such as the first prize at the National Ceramic Art Exhibition (Thailand) in 2016, not only prove his talent but also show the recognition of the way he transforms heritage into a global artistic language. Through his works, he not only revives the Champa heritage but also inspires a new generation of artists, opening a new direction for Southeast Asian art in the context of globalization.
The patterns and shapes in Dr. Pornsawan's works are reminiscent of ancient Champa pottery.
For Dr. Pornsawan, art is not only about creativity but also about how he perceives and balances life. He once shared: "I don't just work with the land, I live with the land. Each work is part of a journey connecting the past, present and future."
Every piece of clay, every glaze of ceramic that he touches contains the breath of memory, the liveliness of the present and the aspiration for the future. He considers heritage not a static object, but a living entity that needs to be regenerated and adapted to the times. His works convey the message that we come from the earth, will return to the earth, and between these two points is a meaningful journey of life. His art is a fusion of man and nature, tradition and innovation, the past and creative aspirations.
The fire that Dr. Pornsawan ignited from Champa heritage did not burn fiercely, but smoldered, persisted and spread. From the Go Sanh kilns to international exhibitions, he created an artistic journey where heritage is not only revived but also lives on in contemporary creativity.
Group of sculptures by Dr. Pornsawan Nonthapha in the series “Earth - Water - Fire - Wind”
The Champa heritage, in his hands, is no longer just a memory of a bygone civilization, but has become a part of the present, a part of the global cultural connection. Through his works, Dr. Pornsawan not only tells the story of Champa but also writes a new chapter for Southeast Asian art, a chapter of revival, creativity and longevity.
Dr. Pornsawan Nonthapha is an art lecturer at Rajabhat Mahasarakham University (Thailand) and a famous artist with ceramic works bearing the cultural imprints of Champa and Thailand. Becoming a son-in-law of Binh Dinh since 2016, he considers this place his second home, the place that inspires his artistic journey.
He has won many prestigious awards in Thailand such as the first prize at the National Ceramic Art Exhibition (2016) and was honored as "Artist with outstanding culturally connected works" presented by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
Dr. Pornsawan participates in many international art events, contributing to promoting Champa heritage to the world.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chang-re-thai-lan-lam-song-lai-gia-tri-van-hoa-champa-185250104093222085.htm
Comment (0)