LORD VADER / DARK FATHER is a sculpture handmade in Thailand using traditional Khon mask-making techniques.  I learned from the venerable Mr. Pongsawasdi Suksawasdi, Royal Mask-Maker for the Queen of Thailand.  The materials used here are papier-mache, natural resin, glass, enamel paint, gold leaf and ivory.  It is based of course on the tortured antagonist Darth Vader from the Star Wars films, but also on a character named Indrasatru from the Ramayana of India.  Fusing these two epics creates an unexpected juxtaposition of eastern and western styles and the ancient and contemporary.  In addition, it also helps to exhibit the basic parallels between the stories.  Both characters are the most powerful “bad guy” and second in command of a demonic army, both are twisted and controlled by an oppressive power structure, and both have twins for children.  It is also quite interesting that the top part of the crown of Indrasatru resembles a light saber.