PhotoBooks Thailand

In all regions of Thailand—the rugged, forested hills of the north, the emerald paddy fields of the central pains, the tropical islands and plantations of the south—monumental, exquisitely rendered statues of Buddha preside. And in the pages of the new book Buddha in the Landscape from Pomegranate, photographer Mark Standen puts viewers in the presence of these exceptional Buddhas. Standen takes readers to cities where "The Enlightened One" towers over the skyline as well as to remote places where the Buddha watches over the rhythms of agrarian life from a natural throne above the fields. No other country in the world offers the wealth and variety of statues of the Buddha found in Thailand. Buddha in the Landscape is the first book to present a select portfolio of these exceptional images. Standen artfully pictures the Buddhas in their many manifestations—executed in brilliant white with gold headdresses, tiled from top to bottom with small taupe-colored tiles; standing, seated, or laying down; demonstrating various mudras (symbolic gestures). Through superb color photographs and insightful text, this book offers a unique window into the enduring faith of the Thai people and the natural beauty of their country. In addition, it gives background on the Buddhist religion, Buddhism in Thailand, and on how these religious statues are created.

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Bangkok, the "City of Angels," challenges our perceptions of what a city is, or should be. A barely stable setting for its 12 million inhabitants, its rapid growth and transformation defies traditional ideas of urban organization. Yet, in spite of its chaotic state, Bangkok presents moments of arresting beauty. Barry Bell uses the tangible artifacts of the city, its topography, streets and monuments, as ve-hicles for speculating on Bangkok and its central mythologies.

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