Banjerd Lekkong creates sculptures so intricate and densely packed with information that they erase the divisions between art, story, and symbol entirely. Lekkong interprets the Hindu pantheon with his steel and iron sculptures which can reach anywhere from two to six feet high. He tells stories from the religion in a very specific way: by creating pieces that are both single-character depictions and entire, multiplayer scenes. Above all, his works are made of energy and action.
From afar, Lekkong’s works act as to be sculptural portraits. He creates beautifully wrought figures that stand, dance, and even fly with enthusiasm. They are animals and, often, Hindu gods such as Ganesha or Erawan. They are always perfectly poised, presenting themselves with the grace that such regal beings merit. Upon closer inspection, however, it becomes clear that each figure is actually composed of countless smaller bodies. These smaller, person-like figures have all the uncontainable energy and unpredictability that the larger composition doesn’t. They are sinewy, made of ropes of metal, gear-like coils, and all kinds of curving shapes. So intertwined, their individual bodies are hard to pick out from the crowd, allowing the sculpture to provide endless fascination and treasures.
In combining ancient material and a well-defined, unique visual language, Lekkong invites us to reconsider the stories and lessons of Hinduism. His is a modern perspective, but also one that speaks to the timeless ideas of surprise, the call to action, and interconnectivity. He describes his chosen medium – unadorned gray steel and iron – as one that radiates power.
Lekkong was born in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand and today works in Bangkok. In addition to his fine art, he is an accomplished architect and interior designer. He has exhibited widely in Thailand.
