Spirit House

Chris Kitisakkul

The land is scarred, the spirits weary
Wandering souls search for a place to rest
History fades, but its spirits call to be remembered

In Thailand, it is customary to build a shelter for resident spirits when a place is disturbed. This act asks for their cooperation and shows respect for their land being used.

The Corning House was the site where slabs of gunpowder were processed into small grains of “corn.” Although the building has been dismantled, a giant concrete wall still stands. This blast wall once protected the control room from the dangers of explosions, now serving as a reminder of the risks inherent in gunpowder manufacture.

For Forces of Nature, the blast wall has been repurposed as a spirit house. The small holes that once had a function in creating destruction have been transformed into altars for offerings and remembrance. They serve as a resting spot for grandparents, a home for a young couple, a sacred site for dancers. At their feet lie reminders of the cannons and guns that define the history of this site.

In silence, the wall and its new inhabitants gaze at us as we look back at them.