The Creation of Buddhist Innovative Arts in the Form of Digital Printmaking Inspired by Lanna Vihara’s Decorative Patterns

Abstract

This research article aims to: 1) Study the printmaking patterns derived from Lanna vihara decorative motifs; 2) Develop digital printmaking formats based on Lanna vihara decorative motifs; and 3) Create Buddhist Innovative Art in the form of digital printmaking inspired by Lanna vihara decorative motifs. This study employed a mixed-methods research design, integrating documentary research, qualitative research, quantitative research, and action research. The research area covered 16 Lanna viharas in eight provinces of the upper northern region of Thailand. The informants consisted of 20 experts in Buddhism and Buddhist art, five experts in digital art, and 20 co-creators involved in developing digital printmaking formats. In addition, four qualified experts were selected from the key informants to participate in a focus group discussion in order to validate the appropriateness of the developed formats.

          The research found that:

1. The printmaking patterns derived from Lanna vihara decorative motifs have a systematic compositional structure. They can be classified into five groups of motifs and divided into four motif units: primary motifs, secondary motifs, infill motifs, and border motifs.
2. The development of digital printmaking formats can be carried out through the processes of collecting original motif data, copying motifs, extracting motif units, converting them into digital forms, and organizing them into four compositional formats: all-over patterns, banded patterns, border patterns, and central compositions.
3. The creation of Buddhist Innovative Art in the form of digital printmaking results from the integration of three core dimensions: motif forms, Buddhist moral and doctrinal meanings, and digital technology. This integration produces artworks that preserve traditional roots, express contemporary qualities, and can be practically applied.