Buddhist philosophy is at the heart of Boonmee Sangkhum's mezzotints. The mezzotint technique requires the artist to very finely texture the entire surface of the plate even before the first mark is made. This is done with a specialized tool called a rocker which is worked over the plate in many directions. It can take weeks, or in the case of Sangkum's monumental mezzotints, months to complete. During this slow, repetitive process he reflects on happiness, solitude, and concentration all while surrounded by the forests and fields of the countryside outside of Chiang Mai. Sangkhum doesn't listen to music or allow any other distractions during this time, instead he meditates following in the Buddhist tradition which promises meditation will lead to understanding in this life and peace in the afterlife.
4 works
4 works
