A fantasy ice palace or a frosted wedding cake: whatever your opinion, Thailand’s Wat Rong Khun is certainly unique.
Soon to be completed by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, this Narnia-like temple outside Chiang Rai is festooned with white paint and glass. A bridge representing the passage to Nirvana crosses over a pit of outstretched arms symbolising desire. Observant visitors will spot nail-varnished fingers and a Wolverine claw in the mix.
Across one wall inside the temple is a beautiful, golden depiction of the Buddha. Opposite is a huge mural representing the greed of the modern world. Petrol-pumps become demons, rising from the smoking remains of the World Trade Center. Star Wars robots, Jabba the Hutt, The Matrix’s Neo, Superman, a sumo wrestler and Converse trainers also appear.
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