Rationale | Intercultural Design

Project Brief

This final project is a continuous assessment of the previous project for our Intercultural Design module. We first finalized our proposal to concretise our initial ideas, which was supported by a phase of online research and revolved around the given theme of 'Mythology' based on Thailand's culture. We then embarked on a study trip to Bangkok for the purpose of conducting in-person research and meeting the objectives we have set. Upon the completion of the trip, we would produce visual design outcomes related to our interpretation of myth and our chosen topic, and which would also reflect our understanding and interpretation of global issues and design aesthetics.

Definition of Myth

Myths are built upon the beliefs, faith and practices of a community, and when repeated over time by many, becomes a widely accepted narrative to help apply reason to incidents or events that might seem illogical or unexplainable. It impacts the traditional and modern culture and design of a community, and is usually passed on through verbal or written stories. Some myths are more likely to have various versions.

Definition of Myth

Problem Statement

There is a harmonious coexistence between the superstitious and supernatural within the practice of Thai Buddhism, which stretches far back into Thai history. The worship of spirits has become second nature for most Thais, and reflects the constant transactional demand of human beings regardless of time period. This exchange is inherently tied to the perception of and expectations society places upon women as well.

Problem Statement

Technical Questions

1. How do the largely Buddhist community in Thailand navigate around their beliefs in ghosts?

2. Why do Thais have such strong belief in ghosts and spirits?

3. How is the culture regarding the belief in ghosts practiced today?

4. Why do some Thais worship ghosts?

Technical Questions

Research Questions

1. Why are women figures constantly demonize or villainized, yet are expected to conform to a certain expectation or role in society?

~ In a traditional mindset, women are seen as emotional, weak and stubborn, and are commonly demonized in myths and folklore stories. Women are often expected to perform in a certain way, to fit the idea of being 'feminine'. Prior to our field trip, our online research indicated that Mae Nak was portrayed as a cruel and vengeful ghost, yet there is a shrine dedicated to her whereby Thai people give offerings and pray to her for blessings. These acts of devotions highlighted the irony of such practice. However, after conducting interviews and in-person research in Bangkok, we realised that some Thais also believed her to be a strong and kind figure who would bless devotees with fertility and wealth. In our final design, the sculpture is designed to have imperfections to depict the real facade of a human. Multiple creature-like hands are sculpted at the base and painted in dark colours, as though dragging the upper feminine form down, symbolising the stereotypes and expectations people place on women, which are simply impossible to fulfill.

2. How does Mae Nak fit within a more progressive and modern narrative in this day and age?

~ Instead of recreating a replica of Mae Nak's figure as shown at her shrine, a contemporary design is more relatable to the modern narrative. Thus, we have decided to express our thoughts through an abstract feminine sculpture to portray the possibility of different personalities and faces, and not being constrained by other people’s perceptions and expectations. Based on sources gathered through our research trip, it appears that Thai women have a higher social standing in comparison to traditional perspectives of gendered roles. Although modern society is now opening up the discussion on female empowerment and rights, including whole movements that champion gender equality where women are fighting for their freedoms to be whoever they want without being judged, historical records indicated that Thai women have long been trailblazers in their community. The lotus unalome with Kranok Thai motifs, represents the modern narrative where females are spiritually growing and developing beyond the traditional beliefs and expectations, it is a symbol of rebirth and to be able to chart one’s destiny in their own hands.

Research Questions

Full Rationale

The abstract half human figure, half creature-like contemporary art sculpture we created represents the belief in folklore within Thai society, and is also representative of Mae Nak's rebirth. Mae Nak becomes a metaphor for all women: she is bursting out from the heavy, sculptural bottom - extricating and fighting to release herself from the animal/spirit/demon part that represents society’s demands and expectations of Mae Nak. The female figure was painted entirely in red with yellow detailing as a symbol of love, passion and desire, while the creature-like base was painted in dark colours to portray a sense of heaviness and gloom.

Although society is dragging her down and forcing their demands on Mae Nak, she is able to grow and reform herself from the quicksand of demands, represented by the Thai lotus motif/unalome. In Buddhism, yellow is a symbol of desirelessness and renunciation. It is a way of showing that Mae Nak is refusing to conform and fulfil others’ expectations, and instead is fighting for her “new life”. The bright yellow lotus unalome pattern is designed with intricate ancient Thai art elements known as Kranok, a type of motif symbolising flames, which expresses the idea of rebirth, like a phoenix arising from the ashes. In Sanskrit language, kra-nok means thorns, and could also be taken to indicate the pain Mae Nak went through to break away from the normalized traditional belief. The thorns then became a part of her, fighting for freedom, being fearless and strong.

The Kranok pattern is a part of Lai Thai - a Thai design influenced by Buddhism and nature, which includes floral and animal patterns. Therefore, through Lai Thai, the role of religion and nature can be seen clearly on the sculpture. The lotus is a symbol of spiritual awakening and growth, similar to an unalome, which represents life’s path towards enlightenment. Mae Nak blooms into a lotus, emerging from the mud and growing upwards. Added symbolism can be seen from the simple floral Lai Thai design encircling her head, which leads to the flower petals (paper cutouts) blooming from her head. The floral Lai Thai design on her head provides a delicate balance to the rougher looking texture of the sculptured clay. It also leads the viewer’s vision from the lotus pattern on her body towards her head.

Additionally, a significant ritual devotees perform at Mae Nak's shrine in Bangkok is to take numbered balls from an urn for their lottery numbers. We recreated the idea by shaping the head portion of the sculpture into a cup shape and placing rolled-up strips of paper containing information on the achievements of women within Thai society. Instead of getting lottery numbers, the audience will receive knowledge when they dip their hands into the cup, and hopefully gain a better understanding and awareness of the sacrifices and accomplishments made by female figures in Thailand.

Air clay is used for this contemporary sculpture to create a smoother and more solid texture. It is also easier to colour and mold into our intended shape. Wires and paper mache are used to solidify and strengthen the inside of the sculpture, as well as to create the base shape at the beginning stage of forming the sculpture.

A QR code linked to our website will be placed near the sculpture. Utilizing technology, the audience would be able to access information on our project almost instantly.

Full Rationale

Inspirations

The duality or multiple facades an individual has is portrayed in various forms.

Issues about gender identity, femininity and sexuality are also portrayed.