Mark is a recent Communication Design graduate from Chulalongkorn University. He is deeply fascinated by nature, its beauty, mystery, and intricate details, which he sees as an endless source of inspiration. This interest forms the foundation of his practice, where he explores how humans are connected to the natural world through recurring patterns, structures, and relationships.
His work often reveals what we tend to overlook in our surroundings. By observing nature closely, from microscopic forms to massive environmental structures.
Mark highlights how they often share surprisingly similar rhythms and formats. His intention is to draw attention back to these subtle yet profound elements that shape our world.
Micro to Macro: Mixed Media Sculpture
This piece visualises the interconnected systems of the universe, spanning from the smallest atoms to the largest cosmic formations. Composed of more than 50 uniquely designed 3D-printed components, the sculpture represents the countless structures found throughout nature and illustrates their shared patterns. The work is embellished with over 500 crystals, sequins, and beads, each sparkle symbolising an electrical signal, reflecting the constant communication and exchange of energy within and between natural systems.
From Neurons to the Cosmos
The idea behind this project began with an observation of different patterns in nature. Through further research, it became clear that many of these patterns repeat across different scales. For example, the structure of the human nervous system shares similarities with the structure of the cosmic web.
Our brains are composed of fundamental subatomic particles, atoms, and molecules, elements that are also found throughout the universe. The patterns formed by the neural networks in our brains and by structures in the universe are closely related to a branch of mathematics known as fractals.
A fractal is a pattern that repeats itself at different scales, regardless of how close or far away it is observed.
Many processes in physics rely on fractal principles, and numerous natural phenomena exhibit fractal behaviour, such as the branching of rivers flowing into the ocean or the intricate structure of a snowflake.
Systems within Systems
The recurrence of fractal patterns suggests a deeper interconnection among all things. This idea became the starting point of the project, leading to an exploration of structures and systems throughout the universe. The research spans from the smallest molecular structures to the largest known cosmic formation, the Laniakea Supercluster (a massive cosmic structure containing the Milky Way and about 100,000 other galaxies.)
By highlighting connections between different elements, the work demonstrates how small, simple components can combine to form complex systems, much like neurons forming thoughts, roots forming forests, and stars forming galaxies.
Each 3D-printed piece functions as a miniature representation of different systems, illustrating how individual units, whether biological, geological, technological, or astronomical, are fundamentally interconnected. Together, these pieces form a continuous narrative that reminds the viewer that, across all scales of existence, everything is part of a single, intricate whole.
The work is arranged in a circular form, echoing the wholeness of the universe. Similar to a Mandala, which is traditionally circular, the shape symbolizes wholeness, completion, and the cyclical nature of life and the cosmos.
Across many spiritual and cultural traditions, the circle also represents unity, balance, and eternity. This form is deeply rooted in nature and appears across vastly different scales, from the microscopic structures of cells, bubbles, and atomic orbits to the macroscopic forms of planets, stars, and galaxies. These recurring circular patterns suggest that the principles governing life remain consistent, whether at the smallest or largest scale.
The white-on-white presentation further symbolizes the subtlety of the connections between different systems while creating an ethereal and timeless quality. By removing colour, the focus shifts entirely to form, structure, and connection, highlighting that beneath all apparent diversity, systems are linked through shared patterns. The work invites viewers to look beyond the surface and recognise the intricate, universal thread that weaves everything together.
Mark Panithan Waisara
Designer
Mark is a recent Communication Design graduate from Chulalongkorn University. He is deeply fascinated by nature, its beauty, mystery, and intricate details, which he sees as an endless source of inspiration. This interest forms the foundation of his practice, where he explores how humans are connected to the natural world through recurring patterns, structures, and relationships.
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