Transformational Art

My Artistic Journey in Chiang Mai Unveiled

Hello! I'm absolutely thrilled to share the exciting news that I recently had the incredible opportunity to be the Artist-in-Residence of SAC Gallery in Thailand, specifically in Chiang Mai. This three-month program was a dream come true, especially after facing numerous delays and travel restrictions due to the pandemic. In fact, I was fortunate to be the first artist to join this program since 2020.

During my residency, I had the privilege of working in an amazing studio space, surrounded by a supportive and knowledgeable team. What made this experience even more special was being nestled in nature, just 15 minutes away from the vibrant old town and city center, with its bustling markets, diverse restaurants, stunning temples, and a wonderful community of both locals and expats, not to mention the constant flow of tourists!

I, @jesusisanartist, had the honor of being the first artist in the 2023 program. Hailing from the vibrant city of Caracas, Venezuela, my artistic work delves into the intricate connections between art and society. After a long hiatus, I embarked on this transformative journey through SAC Residency, which took place from April to June.

Upon my arrival in Chiang Mai, my first destination was the "U-Mong Temple," conveniently located just opposite my studio. To connect with the local area, the gallery and I organized a "Mindfulness Practice" inspired by my fascination with the concept of "Conscious Sleepers." This practice led me to create captivating artwork on the glass panels in my studio, serving as a poignant reminder of my initial weeks in Chiang Mai. This series draws inspiration from the notion that when we are asleep, we don't pretend to be anyone else.

The artwork concept that emerged in the U-Mong Park Studio is a continuation of my previous series, "Conscious Sleepers." My time in Chiang Mai allowed me to explore themes of "rebirth" or "metamorphosis" of the image, the cycle of life, and how a traditional medium can feel refreshingly new. The culmination of my observations of the people and places in Chiang Mai resulted in a captivating series of artworks titled "Conscious Sleepers: Inside Out Chiang Mai."

Due to my strong attachment to this space, the gallery and I organized a Studio Visit event at U-Mong Park Studio in Chiang Mai, opening my workspace to exchange conversations, skills, experiences, and the pure joy of art with enthusiasts on June 21, 2023.

Our studio was ready to welcome art enthusiasts alike. Furthermore, SAC Residency continues to be a hub for artists and creators seeking not only a space to create art but also an active engagement with the local community and surroundings.

I'm immensely grateful for the extraordinary opportunity I had to paint a mural inside one of the chapels at Wat Umong, a 700-year-old Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand. This place holds deep personal significance to me, as I previously embarked on a transformative six-day meditation retreat there. It was incredibly serendipitous that my artist residency studio, provided by @sac.gallery.bangkok, was situated right in front of this venerable temple.

As a foreigner, I was particularly interested in exploring the diverse perspectives this opportunity had to offer, including our perceptions of enlightenment. Through my mural, I aimed to represent the four seasons: spring, summer, and autumn on the exterior walls, and winter on the chapel wall. I wanted to convey that death or the end of a cycle is not something negative but an integral part of life. My mural featured the lotus flower, symbolizing purity emerging from murky waters, along with a stunning view of Chiang Mai from my window. Throughout my time in Thailand, I relished the contrasts, from sleeping on a thin cushion in a modest room to luxuriating in a spacious room with a bed as large as the retreat's dormitory.

This experience taught me invaluable life lessons, and I sincerely hope you find as much joy in viewing my mural as I did in creating it. I'm deeply grateful for your unwavering support and love!

Photos by Pang Sakuntala - SAC Gallery