ABSTRACT
In Thailand, although many artists had already explored the possibility of mixed media art, the history of term mixed media art officially originated in the 37th National Art Exhibition in 1981. Vichoke Mukdamanee is among the Thai pioneer artists who had been deeply interested in mixed media. For over 40 years of his art career, Vichoke Mukdamanee has created many mixed media works, originating from his interest in the bonds between the environment, technology, and life. By various materials, including wood, metal, brass, bronze, aluminum, clothes, earthenware, scraps, and ready-made objects, Mukdamanee’s mixed media art reflects the artist’s perspectives toward the change in external factors. His artwork expanded into more profound concepts related to life, referring to rural life, Buddhist philosophy, and a family’s love and bond. The artist attempted to establish a link between his concepts and internal overflowing emotions (love, happiness, suffering, and sadness) and express it through painting, collage-assemblage, and installation.
