On 3 September 2025, MATDOT Art Center hosted an engaging Artist Talk with acclaimed Thai sculptor Peerapong Doungkaew, whose works are currently on view in the exhibition Tree of Life. The event offered audiences a rare opportunity to hear directly from the artist as he shared insights into his creative process, philosophies, and lifelong dedication to sculpture.

Peerapong reflected on the beginnings of his artistic path, describing how his childhood experiences nurtured his fascination with form and material, ultimately guiding him to study sculpture at Poh-Chang Academy of Arts and Silpakorn University. Following his graduation, he balanced a sustained artistic practice with an academic career, teaching at institutions including Silpakorn University and Ubon Ratchathani University, where he inspired generations of art students.

In his early career, Peerapong’s practice drew from modern Western approaches to sculpture, both in technique and aesthetic language. Over time, however, he shifted towards a deeper exploration of Eastern traditions and his cultural roots, integrating local philosophies and materials to develop a distinctly personal sculptural style. His versatility across metal, stone, and wood highlights his mastery of diverse mediums.

Peerapong emphasised how his work evolves with each stage of life, shaped by the world around him—political unrest, environmental crises, and conflicts over natural resources. These experiences inform his artistic philosophy, which centres on the interplay of “life, art, and knowledge” and the interconnectedness of “philosophy, society, humanity, and the environment.”

The talk concluded with an open exchange, where participants were able to discuss with the artist, gaining further understanding of the vision and dedication behind his five-decade-long career.