absolutelyBangkok archive · Being farang
Originally published April 30, 2009
Everyone’s a writer or an artist in a way. Everyone, at some point, kept a diary or dared a few strokes of the brush. But over time, busy with one’s own life of daily routine and obligations, the artist within dies. Arriving in Bangkok, many again feel that long gone artist in themselves.
To “materialize” one’s own enthrallment, something felt deeply. Thailand, or Bangkok for that, for many becomes a life-changing experience. Many dream of living in this never pausing carousel of decadence, downright commonness and darkly raffish milieu. Writers, painters, musicians dedicate work to their very own Krung Thep.
The artistic productivity of a city serves as a gauge of the city’s vibrancy. Most artists though have no stage and no gallery. They pursuit their art quietly for themselves, not even looking for a springboard to market their talent. I once met a Thai girl she designed the most amazing T-shirts.
She only made them for friends. A neighbor is the most amazing artist in her garden. Everything grows in a stunning beauty making my own garden look like a wasteland. Or then there’s the coincidental discovery of art — like recently on YouTube. Whatever drove this guy, I love the song, the lyrics, the profanity.
“That’s not a pretty girl you fool… If you get her close enough you see her eyes are burning mad…” –
On Silom Road by some
Honest Tom & Pfaff Studio:
I’m sure you know an unknown artist out here.
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