Merri-bek City Council Acquisition

Flesh 2018

Food 2018

We are thrilled to share some exciting news: the artworks "FOOD" and "FLESH" have been acquired by the Merri-bek City Council.

These captivating pieces are part of a series called "FOOD / FLESH / FAME," a collaborative effort between Melbourne-based Thai artists Bundit Puangthong and Vipoo Srivilasa. Drawing from Buddhist teachings, the series explores the three elements of attachment: Food (consumption), Flesh (sex), and Fame (power). Although these elements are known to cause suffering, they remain persistently alluring, a paradox that the artists intend to explore further in the future.

In creating these pieces, Vipoo Srivilasa initiated the process by sculpting three figures with bare surfaces. Bundit Puangthong then added his artistic touch by painting each sculpture. The artists' conceptual visions harmonized perfectly, especially considering their shared commitment to Buddhist principles, which frequently inspire their respective artistic practices. After Bundit completed his painting, Vipoo enlivened the pieces by adding eyes to the figures. He also embellished the works with pom-poms, lending them a softness that makes them appear both approachable and innocent, despite the weightiness of their themes.

Each sculpture embodies a specific teaching from Buddhism:

"FOOD" depicts a durian, the king of fruits, painted by Bundit Puangthong. He notes, "Despite its pungent aroma, many people still love to eat it."

"FLESH" features a golden umbrella, serving as a metaphor for sex.

"FAME" portrays a chair and a monkey, symbolizing political power and the ineffectual politician, respectively. The monkey represents a lawmaker who fails to use his authority beneficially for his constituents.