Life War
Nung Kittisak
From Earth to Earth
From Dust to Dust
From Ashes to Ashes
God created man from dust, and to dust he shall return.
The essence of this phrase not only reflects religious beliefs but also embodies an awareness of the intrinsic relationship between life and nature. Whether human, animal, or plant, all living beings originate from the earth, grow, struggle, and navigate through the various circumstances of life, only to ultimately return to the earth at the end of their journey.
Nung Kittisak explores the struggle for survival, an instinct deeply embedded in humanity as it endures the battlefield of life. The external war manifests in conflicts and destruction between groups, nations, or ideologies—driven by the desire to dominate or control—leading to profound consequences for both human existence and the environment. These conflicts may stem from political, economic, or cultural tensions. Meanwhile, the internal war is fought within oneself, a constant battle between desire and fear, hope and despair, where outcomes oscillate between success and failure.
The physical form of this series embodies the essence of struggle. The artist employs organic shapes—human, animal, and plant-like forms—capturing various states of existence, from birth and growth to eventual decay. Crafted using fragile, easily fractured ceramics, the work mirrors life’s inherent uncertainty. The colours emerge unpredictably from fire, reflecting the burning desires within the human soul. Together, these elements coalesce into an installation that is both mesmerising and unsettling.
Artworks that centre on earth as their primary medium invite us to reflect on its significance as a silent witness to the cyclical nature of all life. The narratives of survival are embedded within the remnants of ash and dust, spanning from beginning to end, from past to present.
In the perpetual war of existence, there are no true victors or vanquished. Only time remains, endlessly consuming all, leaving behind mere traces of chaos.
On view: 10 March – 13 April 2025
Opening event: Monday 10 March, 18.00 at Matdot Gallery
Nung Kittisak is a Thai artist born in a sculptors’ village in Chiang Mai. He holds a master’s degree in Thai Art from Silpakorn University and currently works as an independent artist. His practice focuses on symbolic art exploring Buddhist philosophy, humanity, and the environment.
His work is distinctive for its striking contrast between simple, tranquil forms and those in a state of decay, evoking deep emotional resonance. He conveys these themes through a variety of materials, expressed in both sculpture and installation art.
