At this moment, the small white studio at True Digital Park is brimming with the dreams of six young artists. Though their styles differ, they have come together to share inspiration through their art in the exhibition “Dream a Little Dream.” This exhibition takes everyone on a nostalgic journey back to the boundless joy and dreams of childhood, inviting us to pause and reflect on whether those passions have faded or if we’ve made them a reality.
Behind this exhibition is Madskills, a Thai startup gallery dedicated to discovering, curating, and showcasing the work of artists, with a focus on Pop Art and Contemporary Art from both Thailand and abroad. It’s fair to say that Madskills itself was born from the dreams of its founder, Pichaya Viwatrujirapong.
“Actually, I’m an oil drilling engineer who ventured into the Tech and business world. However, I have a strong passion for photography, to the extent that I’ve even held exhibitions of my own work. During COVID, when I couldn’t travel and take photos, I began collecting various forms of art. This eventually led me to realize my dream of owning a gallery before reaching retirement. This exhibition marks the fourth one by Madskills,” said Pichaya.
The “Dream a Little Dream” exhibition is being held in Studio 2 on the second floor of True Digital Park West, a space dedicated to bringing artists’ dreams to life. It’s open to the public free of charge every day, with the intent to allow visitors and passersby to appreciate art up close. At the same time, it supports startups in the Art & Culture sector and promotes the work of young artists and creators, something that True Digital Park has consistently championed.
Before you visit the exhibition, let’s take a closer look at the six artists—exploring their identities, stories, dreams, and inspirations behind their creations—so that everyone can grasp the significance of having dreams.
HUUYAOW
“It’s not necessary to make every dream come true, but hold on tightly to at least one and make it a reality.”
Ping – Mantana Lertkornkitja, also known as the artist HUUYAOW—derived her nickname from a beloved rabbit doll she cherished in her childhood. This doll symbolizes the courage and curiosity she had at that age. Her work is characterized by the figure of a long-eared orange girl surrounded by dreamy scenes of clouds, the moon, and stars.
The exhibition marks Ping’s first time displaying acrylic paintings on canvas, having previously worked exclusively in digital art. She shared that, 12 hours before the submission deadline, an unexpected incident occurred: while waiting for the coating on her piece to dry, a gust of wind blew in some dust, damaging part of the artwork. She had to quickly repair it in time, and she succeeded because HUUYAOW reminded her not to be afraid to rise and try again.
CHORKUNG
“Even if our childhood dreams don’t reach the finish line, those little dreams have become a part of who we are today.”
Kung – Sasiwimon Sunthonwikran, known by her pen name Chokung, is an artist who has illustrated over 20 children’s books. Her work reflects the dreams and joys of childhood through the character Red Loving Wolf, featuring two main figures: Rinny Red, a Little Red Riding Hood, and Milo, a wolf. These characters engage in activities like tasting new ice cream flavors or learning to play the guitar in pursuit of a dream to become a musician.
She hopes her bright and cheerful artwork serves as a reminder for everyone to revisit the small, fun things from the past or to reflect on dreams that may not have been fully realized but brought happiness at the time. She believes that every dream we’ve had has come together to shape who we are today.
NoiNah
“Dreams are what nourish life, making you want to wake up and breathe, so you can continue pursuing them.”
Noinah – Suriya Uthairasamee, a former comic writer for a weekly comic magazine, later transitioned to become the owner of a small studio and gallery in an old riverside community in Chanthaburi. For this exhibition, he created his work using pen lines, watercolor, and acrylic paint. The vibrant acrylic colors represent the reality that has already taken shape, while the soft, diffuse watercolor symbolizes dreams, showing that both can coexist.
He hopes this collection will serve as a key for viewers to unlock the drawers of their memories, dust off old dreams, and if someone is inspired to recall their dreams or begin pursuing something they once forgot, then the artwork has fulfilled its purpose.
Humbly
“It’s never too late to pursue your dreams. Even if the progress is slow, it’s still a step toward making them a reality.”
Humbly is the well-known name of Bryan Reynald C. Antonio, a Filipino illustrator who, as a child, was captivated by fantasy tales of journeys to otherworldly realms, different dimensions, and the past. His boundless imagination became the inspiration for his work, blending elements from 90s pop culture, including science fiction, cartoons, and toys.
These creations have allowed him to fulfill his childhood dream of showcasing his art internationally. Bryan has exhibited his work in the United States, Tokyo, and Paris, and has held solo exhibitions in major cities such as Shanghai, London, Singapore, and now in Bangkok.
Jmons
“The path to your dreams may be challenging, but believe in yourself and give it your all.”
Jmons is the pen name of Tui – Boonyasid Yuthavron, a Thai artist who grew up in a family involved in the art business. From a young age, he honed his artistic skills, with color being his favorite medium. His work is distinguished by the fusion of Abstract Art, achieved through painting and splattering colors, combined with the character STARBUZZ, which embodies fun and hope in everyday life.
In this exhibition, he aims to bring happiness and inspiration through the beauty and meaning hidden in each color and shape. He hopes his art will connect people, encouraging them to see the world from different and more diverse perspectives.
Wood You Mind
“Having diverse dreams opens you up to everything and allows you to create without limitations.”
Wood You Mind is the name by which people know Parn – Aniwat Akarasuthikorn, an artist specializing in wood carving. His journey began while waiting to repair a ceramic kiln he used for work, leading him to try wood carving, inspired by a memory of carving a snowman out of a pencil during high school. He has been dedicated to wood carving since 2019 and moved to the United States in 2020.
For this exhibition, Parn has sent both canvas paintings and wood carvings to be displayed. He carefully planned his work schedule in advance, as the pieces were shipped by sea, which takes a long time. His work is intended to convey dreams from a perspective of goodwill towards what has been missed, forgotten, or left unfinished, offering a friendly vibe without conveying any fixed message. Instead, he hopes to be a listener or a mirror, encouraging viewers to question or express their feelings.
The “Dream a little Dream” exhibition will be held from 16 August to 22 September 2024, at TDPK Studio 2, 2nd Floor, True Digital Park West, Bangkok (BTS Punnawithi Station). The exhibition is open daily from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM with free admission. For more information about activities, visit the website at https://www.truedigitalpark.com.
