Recognised as one of South-East Asia’s most important artists, Montien Boonma was a pioneer in creating contemporary art that drew on Buddhist concepts, while also breaking away from both modernist and traditional art practices. He forged a path for a generation of Thai artists, encouraging them to express their faith in experimental and socially driven ways. 

Lotus sound is one of Boonma’s most iconic works. The inspiration came to Boonma on one of many visits to the temple grounds of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, where Boonma felt a deep solace listening to the bells of the temple and viewing the giant lotus flowers growing from the murky water into spectacular blooms – a metaphor for the steps toward enlightenment in Buddhist philosophy.