A Record of Memories in the Paintings of Villagers from Pae Din Daeng, Hod District, Chiang Mai Province.

Abstract

            This paper aims to publicize and record residents’ memory of life by Ping River before it is interrupted by sand mining concession in Phae Dindaeng Village, Hot District, Chiang Mai Province, resulting in local ecological succession and exploitation. Simple shades and lines in this series of paintings elaborately represent cultural ecology of pure authenticity as well as unity of the community as the origin of the local history, art and culture.

            The 7 paintings in this paper are the products of qualitative data collection in the research “Echoes of ecological change in the Ping River Basin in Site-specific Art, Hot District, Chiang Mai Province”. The inspiration is derived from life of Phae Din daeng Villagers: community leaders, elders, fishmongers, fishers, and folks, who have had strong bond with the river ever since their birth.

            The analysis on details, compositions and styles of the pictures suggests that people’s memories of old days, before incarnation of camera in such a simple device like a mobile phone, are vividly recalled. The paintings reveal close relationship between people and nature, as well as common experience of the folk whose lives are now disturbed. All in all, the art has reflected collective consciousness of the villagers.

            This paper is a voice of the community to communicate their problems with the public, academic circle, and the stake holders in the sand mining, which will positively contribute to an agenda to tackle the environment issue in Phae Dindaeng Village in the future.