Bounpaul Phothyzan, Story from Plateau, 2019. Metal sculpture, 40 x 40 x 200 cm. Photo the Artist. Collection of the Artist. Courtesy the Artist. © Bounpaul Phothyzan
Bounpaul Phothyzan’s sculpture, installation and land art practice are driven by social and environmental issues relevant to Laos—from deforestation to the devastating legacies of war. His recent sculptures and installations include bomb casings and rusted ordinances, which are commonly collected and repurposed by locals for a range of uses, from canoes to architectural supports. Laos is the most bombed country in the world per capita, and these casings are a part of daily life in rural and farming communities, where unexploded bombs cause an immense number of casualties every year across the country. By incorporating them into his practice, the artist creates aesthetically appealing works that comment on the nation’s turbulent history and the resilience of its people.