Part 1
Project: Wat Rong Khun
Author: Chalermchai Kositpipat
Years: 1997-present
Location: Chiang Rai, THAILAND
Text by: Victoria Savenkova
It would be logical to start the series with a traditional example, yet this exception is meant to highlight the canons that we will explore in the following parts.
Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple) stands out from all other Buddhist architecture with its "colorlessness". Its concrete structure with a wooden roof, covered in white alabaster and inlaid with mirror mosaics, creates the sensation that the temple is made of ice, not melting under the scorching Thai sun. Imagine how striking it looks in the rays of the rising or setting sun. The white color is deliberately chosen to symbolize the purity of Buddha, and the mirror shards represent his wisdom.
To enter the temple, one must cross a bridge that symbolizes the transition from earthly life to eternity, through the confrontation with human passions. Sculptures of an elephant, snake, lion, and swan on the roof symbolize the four elements: earth, water, fire, and air.
The interior of the temple contrasts with the exterior. The frescoes, done in golden hues, convey eternal truths. Through their images and phenomena, the author addresses the theme of good and evil, which are out of place in Buddhist teachings, ranging from movie heroes to nuclear war.
The entire temple complex is the dream of one artist, Chalermchai Kositpipat, which continues to be realized to this day. Even in financing, he adheres to a certain concept: building with personal funds and refusing sponsorship contributions, the author remains true only to his fantasies without external interference.
Wat Rong Khun is unique. The refinement of its architecture is emphasized by an unusual combination of styles, with the canons of traditional Buddhism. Some compare Chalermchai to Bosch, others to Gaudí, but what remains constant is that this temple complex has become a magnet for many travelers.
Part 2, Part 3, Part 4
@gorkjournal
Project: Wat Rong Khun
Author: Chalermchai Kositpipat
Years: 1997-present
Location: Chiang Rai, THAILAND
Text by: Victoria Savenkova
It would be logical to start the series with a traditional example, yet this exception is meant to highlight the canons that we will explore in the following parts.
Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple) stands out from all other Buddhist architecture with its "colorlessness". Its concrete structure with a wooden roof, covered in white alabaster and inlaid with mirror mosaics, creates the sensation that the temple is made of ice, not melting under the scorching Thai sun. Imagine how striking it looks in the rays of the rising or setting sun. The white color is deliberately chosen to symbolize the purity of Buddha, and the mirror shards represent his wisdom.
To enter the temple, one must cross a bridge that symbolizes the transition from earthly life to eternity, through the confrontation with human passions. Sculptures of an elephant, snake, lion, and swan on the roof symbolize the four elements: earth, water, fire, and air.
The interior of the temple contrasts with the exterior. The frescoes, done in golden hues, convey eternal truths. Through their images and phenomena, the author addresses the theme of good and evil, which are out of place in Buddhist teachings, ranging from movie heroes to nuclear war.
The entire temple complex is the dream of one artist, Chalermchai Kositpipat, which continues to be realized to this day. Even in financing, he adheres to a certain concept: building with personal funds and refusing sponsorship contributions, the author remains true only to his fantasies without external interference.
Wat Rong Khun is unique. The refinement of its architecture is emphasized by an unusual combination of styles, with the canons of traditional Buddhism. Some compare Chalermchai to Bosch, others to Gaudí, but what remains constant is that this temple complex has become a magnet for many travelers.
Part 2, Part 3, Part 4
@gorkjournal