Art and Artists
Mon Photographer Opens Eyes to Child Poverty
CHIANGRAI TIMES – The camera is just a tool for me. But when I to take photographs, I also use my heart and my memories to capture the images I want,” said Hong Sar, an ethnic Mon photographer.
Hong Sar Subnaen, 28, is perhaps the first Mon photographer ever to hold a private exhibition in the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai, which has no Mon community.
His exhibition, which opened at the Second Floor Gallery and Cafe in Chiang Mai on Jan. 7 and will continue until the end of this month, highlights the realities of life for Burmese children living at a garbage dump in the Thai border town of Mae Sot.
“I want to draw attention to these people and their plight with my photographs, so that people will help them,” said Hong Sar.
“Some of the children here have no parents, and have to struggle to survive. I feel people should not ignore these poor children, who could easily end up as victims of human traffickers,” he added.
In one of his favorite photos, a child in blue rubber boots squats down to eat a bowl of hot rice, oblivious to his surroundings as he blows on his food to cool it off.
“When I took this photo, I felt a strong positive emotion, and I knew that other people would like it,” said Hong Sar.
In the first three days of his exhibition, he sold 23 photos. The price of each 8 x 12 print was 600 baht (US $19), but in many cases, buyers offered more because they knew the money would be used to help the children.
The photo of the boy with the bowl of rice sold for 1,200 baht ($38) on the first day.
As the son of a well-known photographer, Hong Sar has long dreamed of success in the profession.
It was with the help of two photographer friends, one from Lithuania and the other from Indonesia, that he was finally able to hold his first exhibition.
“I never thought that I would have a chance to exhibit my photos like this,” he said.
About 50 people attended the opening day of his exhibition, which features photos taken during a three-month period, from September to November 2011.
By LAWI WENG
Art and Artists
Artist Anna Chekh Showcases “Diversity of Shadow Man” at Icon Siam
International contemporary artist Anna Chekh presents “Diversity of Shadow Man.” The artist showcases her trendy 3D art objects, a large Shadow Man sculpture, digital art, art prints, and innovative 3D pictures at the ArtVentureNFT gallery (1st floor, Icon Siam).
Step into the captivating world of “Shadow Man” by international contemporary artist Anna Chekh, where her iconic art character unveils the rich tapestry of her artistic vision. This enigmatic figure symbolizes curiosity and exploration of the world while steadfastly guarding his private life and values, embodying a faceless hero for the public. Shadow Man reflects the spirit of our generation, resonating with profound insights and captivating storytelling.
The exhibition features a collection of unique art objects from Chekh’s acclaimed ‘Shadow Man’ series, previously showcased at prestigious international venues including DIFC Art Nights in Dubai and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. Soon, this compelling collection will be presented in Miami, New York, and Venice.
Alongside the ‘Shadow Man’ series, Anna Chekh presents a captivating selection of paintings, art prints, and digital artworks. Delve into the symbolic narrative crafted by Chekh, blending neo-symbolism with surrealistic elements to offer a profound visual journey into the human psyche and societal themes.
As a multidisciplinary artist, Anna Chekh extends her creative vision across various mediums, from traditional canvases and sculptures to cutting-edge NFTs, interactive installations, and innovative web 3.0 projects.
Her artworks, celebrated for their depth and innovation, have been showcased at esteemed venues worldwide from New York and Tokyo to Bangkok and Dubai, including the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris.
Anna has received numerous prestigious awards, including Best Innovative NFT 2024 and Best Phygital NFT 2023 (Dubai, Burj Khalifa).
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ART Chiang Rai Exhibition June 1st Showcasing: The Best of Watercolors
Art and Artists
The Enduring Appeal of Custom Vinyl Stickers: Creativity on a Stick
In a digital age where personal and business branding evolves at lightning speed, one tactile marketing tool has remained as relevant and effective as ever: custom vinyl stickers. Versatile, durable, and colorful, these stickers offer an impactful way to convey messages, demonstrate personality, and even enhance brand visibility. This detailed exploration of custom vinyl stickers will reveal why they continue to be a preferred choice for both individuals and businesses, detailing their uses, benefits, and creative possibilities.
The Allure of Vinyl Stickers
Vinyl stickers aren’t just popular; they are a phenomenon in their own right. Their robustness and aesthetic appeal make them ideal for a wide range of applications, from car decals to storefront decorations. Here’s why they stand out:
Durability: Vinyl is a strong, flexible material resistant to environmental factors like UV rays and moisture. This makes vinyl stickers perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, as they don’t fade quickly or peel off easily.
Quality: The quality of printing on vinyl is generally higher than on other materials. Colors appear brighter and more vibrant, which is crucial for capturing attention and conveying specific styles or brands.
Customization: The adaptability of vinyl allows for a myriad of customization options in size, shape, color, and finish. Whether you need a glossy finish to catch the light or a matte finish to reduce glare, vinyl stickers can be tailored to meet specific requirements.
Uses of Custom Vinyl Stickers
The uses of custom vinyl stickers are as varied as they are imaginative. Here are some of the most popular applications:
Personal Use:
- Vehicle Decals: Custom vinyl stickers are often used to decorate cars, motorcycles, and bicycles, allowing enthusiasts to showcase their unique style or membership in clubs and communities.
- Home Decor: Vinyl stickers can be applied to walls, furniture, and appliances, making them an easy way to revitalize a space without permanent changes.
- Personal Belongings: Laptops, phone cases, and water bottles are commonly adorned with vinyl stickers to personalize everyday items.
Business Use:
- Branding: Businesses use custom vinyl stickers as a cost-effective branding tool. Placing logo stickers on products, packaging, and even at physical locations enhances brand visibility.
- Promotions: Companies often give away vinyl stickers as part of promotional campaigns. Because they are seen as a value-added item, stickers can improve customer satisfaction and retention.
- Wayfinding: Vinyl stickers are excellent for directional purposes within businesses, helping guide customers and creating a more organized space.
The Design Process: From Concept to Completion
Creating custom vinyl stickers is an art form that involves several steps to ensure the final product perfectly captures the intended aesthetic and functional needs.
Designing the Artwork: The first step involves designing the artwork. This can be done using graphic design software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. The design must consider the intended size of the sticker to ensure that details are not lost in translation from screen to print.
Choosing the Right Vinyl: There are different types of vinyl, each suitable for different conditions. For instance, cast vinyl is better for outdoor use due to its ability to withstand harsher conditions, whereas calendared vinyl might be sufficient for indoor use.
Printing and Cutting: Once the design is finalized, it’s printed using high-quality digital printers. After printing, the stickers are cut into the desired shape. Precision cutting is essential, especially for complex designs or shapes.
Quality Control: Before the stickers are packaged and sent out, they undergo quality control checks to ensure that every sticker meets the set standards of durability, color accuracy, and adhesion.
Creative Ideas for Vinyl Sticker Designs
Seasonal Themes: Capitalize on holiday seasons by creating themed stickers that can be used as part of promotional packages or as seasonal decorations.
Inspirational Quotes: Stickers with motivational quotes are perennial favorites. They can serve as personal reminders or inspirational gifts for others.
Artistic Collaborations: Collaborating with artists to create limited-edition sticker designs can add an exclusivity factor that appeals to collectors and enthusiasts.
Eco-Friendly Messages: With increasing awareness of environmental issues, stickers promoting eco-friendly practices or green branding can resonate well with a conscientious audience.
Conclusion
The charm of custom vinyl stickers lies in their simplicity and the profound impact they can have. Whether used to inject a bit of fun into personal items, add a professional touch to business products, or anything in between, vinyl stickers are an excellent choice for those looking to make a statement in a durable, customizable, and cost-effective way. As they continue to stick around in various forms, it’s clear that when it comes to making a mark, few options are as enduring—and adhesive—as vinyl stickers.
Art and Artists
Exploring Cloud Imagery and Cultural Expression: An Interview with Huaqi Liu
Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Huaqi Liu, a talented artist whose journey into the world of painting began at the age of 16. Over the years, Liu has explored various artistic styles, beginning with traditional Chinese painting. As he delved deeper into his craft, his journey led him to evolve his artistic expression, and Liu’s passion for painting endured and flourished. This evolution has been marked by a natural progression, driven by his inner creative spark and ongoing exploration of different artistic mediums and techniques.
Q: Could you discuss some of the awards and recognition you’ve received in recent years, such as the Mayoral Certificate of Recognition from the City of Baltimore in 2022?
Huaqi Liu: The Mayoral Certificate of Recognition was my project where I taught children to draw and handled technical aspects like video tech. We connected children from Baltimore and Korea through artwork exchanges, culminating in an exhibition of the children’s art.
Q: In 2023, you gave a lecture titled “Clouds and Chinese Destiny” at the GFA department of the Maryland Institute College of Art. What was the focus of this lecture?
Huaqi Liu: I was invited by a friend who teaches at MICA. I shared my experiences from struggling to integrate into the American environment during my undergraduate studies to eventually applying for exhibitions. During the interactive session, students were interested in my projects, which led to discussions about my artwork. I shared the story about why I chose clouds as my subject, and what’s the meaning in Chinese traditional aesthetic.
Q: What style or genre of painting are you currently studying or practicing, and how would you define your own style?
Huaqi Liu: I don’t confine myself to a particular genre. Six years ago, I might have called myself an abstract artist, but now I feel it’s unnecessary to frame myself in that way.
Q: Who are some of your favorite and least favorite artists, and why?
Huaqi Liu: My top favorite artist is René Magritte because of his journey from wealth to poverty and his determination to pursue art with just a pen. I admire his innovation, especially his use of light strokes. Monet’s use of color and brushstrokes also influences my work, capturing the atmosphere and romanticism that I seek. I’m not fond of art that depicts violence or explicit sexuality as I find these themes aesthetically tiresome. I prefer art that allows for interpretation and symbolism, fostering a connection between the artist and the viewer.
Q: You have numerous publications, such as the academic paper “Cloud-infused artistry: unraveling the enigmatic bond between destiny and oil painting” in 2024. Could you share the significance of these awards and publications, along with the stories behind them?
Huaqi Liu: “Cloud-infused artistry” is an academic paper I wrote at the end of 2023, published in the CPCI journal. It provides a detailed explanation of my artwork, including my techniques using clouds and colors, and explores contemporary artists’ interest in clouds. For instance, there’s a contemporary artist who visualizes weather patterns with computer-generated lines, reflecting my own interest in clouds and their connection to human fate.
Q: How do you understand the role of this art form in society, and what value does it bring to you in terms of joy or fulfillment?
Huaqi Liu: Painting is a form of emotional output for me. It’s a sanctuary in the chaos of life, allowing me to express myself authentically. Though it can be stressful, I find solace in the process. Through my art, I aim to showcase my cultural contributions as an immigrant in America and my appreciation for multiculturalism. I hope when people see my work, they can resonate with me, that’s my goal.
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