W(H)AT ROOF
the hidden abstraction of Buddhist temple roofs

Intricate roofs of the Buddhist temples in Bangkok

My arrival in Bangkok in 2002 gave me the chance to enrich my aesthetic feelings within a vibrant social context and an astonishing visual environment, far from the European context.

Immediately, I focused on the outstanding plastic rhythm and geometric design of the intricate roofs of the Buddhist temples. Through a strict standard of architectural assemblage, the view of the tiered roofs offered me subtle perspective effects, sustained by the contrasting colours of the varnished tiles, similarly framed in a pure rectangular design. Furthermore, my visual emotions were stimulated by observing these geometric elements under various climatic conditions, as seen under the hard luminosity of the sun, the sudden brilliance after a rainy storm, or the soft ambience of the dawn.

From that preliminary emotion, many temple roofs in Bangkok have been contemplated, sketched and photographed. Among the subjects chosen were Wat Pho, Wat Suthat, Wat Ratchanada, Wat Racha Bophit or Wat Yannawa.

As medium, the choice of watercolour imposed itself in the creative process. Thus, the freshness and transparency qualities of watercolour appeared as adequate to translate the various effects of light and shadow, the dry or wet surfaces of the temple roofs, the shiny varnished tiles and mat wooden elements of construction.

My graphic alphabet, composed in pure orthogonal shapes, as lines and rectangles, and contrasted colours, has aimed to sustain the dialogue with the subtle and fragile sensation of the watercolour. Also, the paradoxical attempt of keeping the free flow of coloured water inside a geometric frame was a seducing technical challenge.

The exhibition title, “W(H)AT ROOF”, plays with the ambiguity inherent to an abstract representation: “Wat”, meaning “temple” in Thai language, combined with “what” in English, are both questioning about an hidden interpretation inspired from an architectural element.

Freely re-interpreted from the fascinating architectural display of coloured tiles and interacting plans, the twenty “W(h)at Roof” geometrical compositions suggest ephemeral abstract visions, mysterious glances, and lyrical poems.

Through this exhibition, I wish to share with the visitor an aerial contemplative promenade above the roofs of the temples, in Bangkok and to evoke together the mysterious serenity of the Buddhist Thai architecture.