RIPCNX – A Street Arist's Story – Chiang Mai, Thailand
Recently, we had the great opportunity to meet up with Sanchai, a local Chiang Mai graffiti artist ? for an afternoon checking out some of the city's hidden street art spots. Along the way he told us about the inspiration for his green-faced character, and the message he hopes to spread through his art. ☀️ ?
Follow Sanchai on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanimbass/
We're Adam & Gabby, a couple of long term travelers sharing our world with you. Be sure to like our page and visit our website at https://localnomads.com
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Posted by Local Nomads on Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Recently, we had the great opportunity to meet up with our friend Sanchai, a local Chiang Mai graffiti artist.
Sanchai is part of a growing street artist community here in Thailand.
We spent the afternoon with him checking out some of the Old City’s hidden street art spots.
Along the way he told us about the inspiration for his green-faced character, and the message he hopes to spread through his art.
Are you wondering why he chose the color Green? Watch the video to find out.
There is art to be found all over the city…
At large busy intersections…
Down narrow winding alley ways…
around every corner, and hidden in the most unlikely nooks and crannies.
This mural is a collaboration between 7 street artists. Sanchai, Alex Face and Mr. Ogay, Kanaet, Bon, Himbad, and Candy Bird (from Taiwan). You can find this wall in a soi near Tha Pae Gate.
You can find Sanchai’s iconic green characters posing on street corners all over Chiang Mai.
Street art is not a traditional part of Thai culture…
but these days many Thais are using this art form to make their voices heard.
It’s hard to walk anywhere in Chiang Mai without stopping to marvel and take photos of these huge colorful masterpieces.
They are beautiful to look at, and really fun to find, but these walls have serious messages they wish to express.
Many murals depict the artists’ concerns with the city’s social, political, and environmental issues.
Many of Sanchai’s characters wear the letters RIP CNX.
For Sanchai “RIP CNX” represents all the changes that Chiang Mai has gone through since his childhood.
In recent years, the city has been growing in popularity with tourists, expats, and digital nomads.
Sanchai says that tourists are NOT the problem…
but he hopes that in the future the mass tourism will be managed more effectively, and with a more positive impact on the environment.
When he’s not painting alleyway walls, Sanchai makes a living creating art for local shops and businesses.
You can also find him playing bass in a local band a few nights a week.
Chiang Mai is a city of artists, there are tons of musicians, painters, crafters, and creators that thrive in this supportive community.
Next time you find yourself wandering the streets of Chiang Mai, seek out Sanchai’s green-man
and remember…
“even though we live in a man-made jungle. We’re all still a part of nature.”
Follow Sanchai on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanimbass/
Follow Alex Face on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexfacebkk/
Follow Bon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mue_bon/
Follow Mauy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauy_msv/
Follow Iagazzo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iagazzo/
Follow Mr Ogay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrogay/
Follow Kanaet on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kanaet_cnx/
Follow Depsone on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/depsone/
Follow Annatar on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annatar_house/
Follow Waris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waris_msv/
Follow Himbad on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/himbad/
Follow CandyBird on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candybbird/
We’re Adam & Gabby, a couple of long term travelers sharing our world with you.
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Music By: Slightly Stoopid
10 Responses
Jamie Italiane
It is beautiful that these artists share their gift with the world.
LocalNomads
It really is. We love supporting this awesome artistic community too! Thanks for checking out our video!
Bistra
It’s so wonderful that you spread the word of those amazing artists in Chang Mai! Hope they stay united and continue producing beautiful art!
LocalNomads
That’s what I love most about the Chiang Mai street art community. It’s not like other places where they paint over each other’s work and tag all over beautiful pieces. They support each other. It’s beautiful. Thanks for checking out our video!
Patti
Sanchai is very talented. I have not been to Chiang Mai yet but had no idea there was so much street art.
LocalNomads
There is SOOOO much street art in Chiang Mai. It’s one of the best places we’ve found in all of our travels. The community there is very strong and supportive. They’ve even hosted international graffiti festivals there! Thanks for checking out our video 🙂
Jon Bailey
So much creativity and support in this community – hope they can continue to tell their stories about the culture and society.
LocalNomads
This city is bursting with creative energy. It’s our pleasure to be able to share their stories with the world beyond Chiang Mai!
Amanda Keeley-Thurman
The street art is so interesting, but seeing it with a local artist must have made the experience even more impressive.
LocalNomads
We’ve been admiring Sanchai’s art for over a year now, so it was quite an experience walking around with him, talking about his art and his philosophy. He also helped us to identify lots of other local artists by their work. Stay tuned for our upcoming guide to local street art in Chiang Mai!