Parada Pattarakunpreeda, 24
Budding artist Parada was overjoyed when asked by a senior artist friend to take part in the exhibition.
“In the past, my art was more for school assignments or personal gain. This time I have been given the opportunity to use my craft to better the lives of refugees, which is a great feeling. I have always desired to be a part of a charity event,” remarked Parada, who has a number of junior awards to his credit including 2018 Young Thai Artist Award for a 3D exhibit.
“Another big reason I am happy to be part of this event is the fact that it is being held at the Museum of Contemporary Art. It is the dream of all young artists to have their work displayed at this venue. I am still a student so it’s a great honour to be selected.”
Parada, who is a second-year master’s student at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology, Ladkrabang, said he felt compassion for refugees, especially children, after watching several UNHCR documentaries on their plight.
“There is no freedom of choice in the life of a refugee. They are pitiful at many levels. When a person decides to leave all their belongings behind is when their loved ones are in peril. What saddens me further is that the conflict that made them run was not created by them but people in power.”
Parada said he is most inspired by imaginary supernatural myths, gods and animals. He finds it the greatest challenge to be able to transform what is said to be just a myth into something surreal and touchable.
The Chonburi native’s exhibit for this event is on Lord Ganesha, a deity he worships.
“The idea for this sculpture came about due to curiosity. I have always wondered what his true physical form is. This led me to observe, research and analyse just how close his true appearance is to what we know
he looks like. What you see in this sculpture are details I was able to unearth about Ganesha. I began with the measurements between humans and elephants, following that up with our perception of him.
“Most of his devotees pray to him for blessings. However I feel more than asking for blessings, what we should do when we see his statue is to understand his many virtues; which among others include wisdom.”