PURE PERSEVERANCE

Details

Pure Perseverance houses the sculpture titled “Perseverance” by Prof. Emeritus Vichai Sithirat, 1965 National Artist in Visual Arts (Sculpture), which metaphorizes the perseverance of Prince Mahājanaka from “The Story of Mahājanaka” penned by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great himself. The tale of Prince Mahājanaka, exemplifying supreme perseverance, swimming resolutely through the vast ocean for seven days and seven nights even without sight of land, is a metaphor for human endeavor, which may remain fruitless without persistent effort. His journey reflects the unwavering commitment and extraordinary dedication of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, who worked tirelessly for His people’s welfare. His devotion also serves as an inspiration for professional pursuit and dedicated service for medical personnel at the Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute and citizens alike. His Majesty crafted a profound allegory in The Story of Mahājanaka to provide caution and inspiration for Thai people to harness “perseverance” as a tool to cultivate “wisdom,” which will enable individuals to overcome obstacles in life.

The artist has chosen to depict this tale through a vertical sculptural work that appears to unfurl the ocean, presenting the narrative in three stages from bottom to top. The first stage portrays him swimming in the midst of the ocean, with a giant crab providing assistance by occasionally allowing him to stand on its back. The second stage shows his perseverance of swimming ceaselessly across the ocean for seven days and seven nights. The third stage represents his encounter with Manimekhala, whom the artist has omitted from the physical form, opting for a symbolic lustrous sphere. Throughout all three stages, the sculpture shows Prince Mahājanaka swimming amidst swirling waves, accompanied by sea creatures swimming along the same wave spirals.