Khao Pansa (Lent)

Tomorrow is the start of the Buddhist Lent, so Bangkok is enjoying a period of relative calm, as many residents have taken the opportunity of the long weekend, (which starts today with Asalha Puja - the commemoration of the Buddha's first sermon in the Deer Park), to depart the capital and visit family in other parts of the kingdom.

These three depictions of the Buddha are also from the Passion of Thai Modern Art exhibition, and represent the transformation from reality into a meditative state, which I think is possible to see as a move from the harsh realism of life, to the beauty of calmness.

This extensive exhibition is a precursor to the opening of a new gallery of modern art at the intersection of Rama I and Phya Thai roads, which will be a very welcome addition to the lively art and cultural scene that is deeply rooted in Thailand.

Like many cultures, art evolved from that used for religious and court purposes, and came under Western influences during the Ratanakosin era (C18th), when King Rama I established Bangkok as the new capital of Siam.