Lot 18: VASAN SITTHIKET (b. Thailand 1957)

American dream
signed, dated in Thai '25 February 2547' and stamped with the artist's seal (lower right); numbered and inscribed '1/1 woodcut' (lower left) and titled 'American Dream' (lower centre)
woodcut on paper and board
(woodcut) 70 7/8 x 35 3/5 in. (180 x 90 cm.); (print) 78 3/4 x 38 1/2 in. (200 x 98 cm.)
The work is dated according to the Buddhist calendar, thence '2547' is A.D. 2004.

Executed in 2004, this work is unique.

Bangkok, Thailand, Numthong Gallery, Truth is else where, 15 May-5 June 2004, exhibition catalogue, p. 7.

Being an individual within the given network of society places certain responsibilities on the person. It is expected that the individual reacts to the goings-on in the surrounding environ and not take anything for granted because it can easily blind us to the injustices served. "Human is a witness of the world phenomenon. The surrounding which consists of an interaction between nature and society forms our thoughts and dreams. Our desire is a motivation to drive action. Living in a world we have not chosen frustrates us...(it) encourage us to discover what the real meaning of life is....ignorance leads us to awkwardness...we walk on the path of darkness as if there is no destination in life. I try to stop those situations and try to communicate the factual experience in both direct and indirect ways to understand myself and others. I hope we will live in this world together as happily as we can according to our own desires." (Vasan Sitthiket, Truth is else where, Numthong Gallery, Bangkok, 2004, exhibition catalogue, p. 1).

Recognised as an outspoken artist, Vasan Sitthiket picks up and discusses the controversial state of worldly affairs in his art, with particular focus on the political arena. Almost brash and confrontational in this undertaking, his works have ruffled many feathers. His righteous spirit in taking upon himself to be the defending voice against political propaganda is necessary as he believes that ignorance will do more harm. His progressive stance towards speaking out through his art ensures his works are fresh and engaging, keeping his viewers and collectors close to him, eager for his next development.

Vasan's works cut across disciplines to performance, installation, painting, poetry etc. and in this present work, printmaking. Titled American dream, it is a direct assault to the American leadership in the wake of the war on terrorism. The crude image depicted of the phallic object stuck up the defecating wolf, outfitted in a Western suit and top hat printed with the American flag looking ready to throw the held rockets in the upper print, is in relation to the cruelties suffered by the naked men, women and children seen in the lower print, serving in a crass manner the reminder of the irony that the liberty that is deeply respected in the United States is not a choice given but dictated to Iraq. The artist visited Baghdad before the war and his deep rooted reaction stems from his personal experience there. The woodcut is part of the work as he is interested in showing the process behind the work. Like in life, understanding the process aids in progression, if anything this work serves as a lesson and teaches to move forward.