Published 2025
ISBN: 978-981-94-3448-0

This publication with the accompanying exhibition presents a compelling case for the fusion of art, technology and ethnography. Sentient Being, Virtual World is a profound exploration of Thai cultural memory, spiritual symbolism and identity, as interpreted through the unique, multidisciplinary lens of artist-educators Ajarn Gomesh Karnchanapayap and Ajarn Atithep Chaetnalao from the Faculty of Decorative Arts, Silpakorn University.

Through a curated collection of virtual and mixed reality experiences based on Thai spiritual beliefs, royal institutions and history, the book features the works by the artists, an introduction by Dr Bridget Tracy Tan, Senior Director of NAFA’s Institute of Southeast Asian Arts and Art Galleries and an essay by Assistant Professor Dr Gomesh Karnchanapayap, each providing insight into the role of technology that may teach, excite and make alive old wisdom and bring fresh ways and appreciation of the traditional by future generations.