DESIRE: THAI CONTEMPORARY PAINTING WITH GENDER NEUTRAL SYMBOL

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Abstract

“Tanha” (Passion or Desire) is the principle in Buddhism that deals with human desire and lust. But in the Buddha's biography, an image of desire was created as a voluptuous woman. This caused people in Thai society to misunderstand the meaning of this principle and recognize a picture of desire as a bad woman. So, the creator wanted to create an artwork named “Desire” using the mixed media technique and canvas collage to portray a neutral symbol of desire that was not specific to one gender. In this regard, the information of desire was studied in relation to consuming behavior and gender prejudice in our society. The main aim of this artwork was to enhance people’s understanding of the real principle in Buddhism. The procedure of artwork began with studying the information, creating sketches, and going into the process. The creation resulted in a contemporary painting, presenting a new symbol that is not based on gender. “Realm of Desire” appears in a castle-shaped form with facial features and hands reaching for precious things. This painting shows the realm of desire that invites not just women or men but every human being to indulge, enabling people to understand more religious principles without gender bias as a result of old beliefs and customs.