Broken Buddha statues, often found encircling Mahathat Temple in the ancient city of Ayudhaya, bear witness to the ravages of time and conflict. Each one appears disfigured, mismatched, and forlorn—some lacking heads, others missing arms or bodies, while still others feature smaller bodies pieced together from fragments of other shattered statues. These poignant remnants, put together by the Fine Arts Department officials, are the legacy of the tumultuous history of Ayudhaya (B.E. 1893-2310), where wars with Burma and the plundering of Buddhist temples by Chinese and local Thais left their mark.
These myriad of broken Buddha statues served as a powerful inspiration for Manit Sriwanichpoom, evoking parallels with the erosion of moral values in contemporary society, particularly within the social justice system. Thailand's political landscape has been marred by nearly two decades of ongoing conflict (from B.E. 2549 onwards), where the pursuit of power has corroded foundational values and beliefs, leaving behind a society teetering on the brink of irreparability. Sriwanichpoom channels these themes of violence and despair onto his canvases, juxtaposing the image of broken Buddha statues with the raw emotions of a society in turmoil.
Manit Sriwanichpoom, born and based in Bangkok, Thailand, stands as a stalwart figure in the realm of contemporary art, boasting over 40 years of prolific creativity. His vibrant oeuvre serves as a biting critique of societal norms, politics, and religion. With a portfolio spanning numerous international exhibitions and art festivals, Sriwanichpoom's works adorn the collections of esteemed public museums worldwide. Additionally, he imparts his wealth of knowledge as a special instructor in contemporary photography at Thai universities and as a sought-after speaker at photography institutions globally.
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