Montien Boonma
Thailand 1953-2000
Lotus sound 1992
Terracotta, gilded wood
300 x 350 x 300cm (approx.)
The Kenneth and Yasuko Myer Collection of Contemporary Asian Art. Purchased 1993 with funds from The Myer Foundation and Michael Simcha Baevski through the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation
Collection: Queensland Art Gallery
Montien Boonma
Lotus sound 1992
Montien Boonma is celebrated as one of Thailand's most accomplished sculptors. His practice was informed by his devout Buddhist beliefs which provided him with a way of thinking about the contemporary world.
Lotus sound 1992 consists of terracotta bells installed in a curved wall-like formation. Above this tenuous structure hang gilded petals of the lotus flower. Concerned by the receding importance of Buddhist practice in daily Thai life, Boonma sought to re-create the inspiring and resonant sounds of bells in temple sanctuaries.
Often playing with the sensory qualities of natural materials and sound, Boonma evokes an inner peace for the viewer. The lotus is a symbolic flower in Buddhist thought and is associated with the birthplace of Buddha and enlightenment. It is also a coveted plant with many medicinal properties.
