original sculpture

Inspired by the teachings of Buddha, Rawat Vongla in Thailand paints this magnificent original composition. He works in acrylic on canvas to depict the statue of a Lanna woman in a lotus-filled royal garden. Lanna, or Lan Na, was the name of a kingdom in northern Thailand from the 13th to the 18th centuries.

Overlooking the city of Rio de Janeiro, the famous Christ the Redeemer statue is watchful and resolute. Brazilian artist Ricardo Siccuro offers this print based on one of his original paintings. This landscape scene is captured in an expressionist style with wavy forms and abstract shapes in cool blues.

Titled Cristo Redentor in Portuguese.

This intriguing and atmospheric acrylic on canvas painting is by Thai artist Rawat Vongla. The artist recreates an ancient Greco-Buddhist statue in hazy shades of rose, green and brown. The statue was one of the first representations of Buddha (1st - 2nd century AD), and was excavated at Gandhara, Pakistan. Such early Hellenistic interpretations, such as the figure's draped, toga-like garment, point to the Greek influence on depictions of the Buddha from that point onward.

Mexican artist Humberto Sosa pays tribute to the great monuments of the world in this original series. Working in acrylic paints and pencil on wood board, the artist renders a sketch of the Colosseum in Rome. The stone amphitheatre was built in 70 AD, and was originally used for entertainment such as gladiatorial contests and dramatic reenactments.

Buddha´s head appears in profile in this sublime study by Tanachai Ekuruchaitep. Lichen adds texture and realism to the sculpted stone image, reflecting the ancient atmosphere of Khmer temples. The artist is inspired by the Sukothai Buddha images whose style originated in Ceylon. Buddha's serenity is intensified by the dark background.

Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist nation, filled with breathtaking ancient temples, pagodas and other architectural wonders constructed to worship Buddha. In Thailand images of Buddha play an important role beyond mere decoration. They are traditionally placed within the home in special locations, such as shrines or pedestals, to help facilitate everyday religious worship.