Kamonlak Sukchai

Red Lotus

Statement

Local folklore are symbolic myths that are passed down from generation to generation, it is evident that they affect how people view certain subjects.

Of these myths, some are fictional and some are based on true stories to reflect on social structures in the past, therefore culture and tradition are somewhat exaggerated through these beliefs of Buddhism, Brahms, and Animism (Spiritual), this also includes how sexuality is viewed. Some of these beliefs are told through mythical characters and some stories are even ‘confirmed’ to be true, and the characters are real people who existed to strengthen these beliefs. The stories are taught in school, and no questions are raised about their authenticity but the actual question is what do these ideologies stand for?

Why uphold such ideas? This reflects upon the power of belief and its hold in shaping society’s frame of mind. The artist takes inspiration from this subject matter. Ideals and beliefs have held power over people for many centuries.

It plays a big role in our everyday life. Stories that are told through religious beliefs are passed on through generations, and Literature, Fairy Tales, and Legends all relate to divines and the extraordinary, meaning that these stories can be both real and fiction to relate the past to the present. Not only does it explain social structures in the past, but it is also a tool used to maintain the same frame of mind in the present, to forever immortalise these ideologies.

For the artist, her work is to question these beliefs

The Story of RED LOTUS

One day the fair lady got her first period. She could not stop herself from the desire for the fruits in the forest. While the sacred ritual was held, she sneaked out to search for the holy tree, climbing up high to joyfully taste the holy fruits. Her period accidentally dropped on the man passing by. This man happened to be the powerful sorcery. But that one drop vanished all his power. Without the power he could not leave the sacred forest. Once he realised it was the fair lady from the sacred river, he asked for her purity in return for what he’d lost. They at last secretly had a forbidden affair.

Their secret was sealed until one day. In the grand ceremony, king’s ritual bath, king and all the villagers were gathering in the wood. The hermit and twelve ascetic women began the ritual by scattering all the gorgeous flowers into the pond. All eyes now were set at the young lady who was required to bathe in the sacred pond. Once her foot was set in, the water suddenly turned red. Everyone was outraged as the holy pond now was sullied and impure.They condemned her, cut her breast, ripped out her privates as a sacrifice asking for forgiveness.

Before last breath, the fair lady urged her last wish to Indra the great god. As her next life, she only wished for being one flower, serving the holiness in the world Red Lotus