Canon EOS M50 - Tamron 70-210mm f/4 Di VC USDWhen you think of Phuket, the first images that come to mind are usually pristine white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, and turquoise blue waters. But did you know that Phuket has much more to offer?
Today, dear Blurtians, I invite you to embark on a journey through the old Phuket Town and discover the hidden treasures it holds, particularly its amazing street art scene.
In 2016, a collaboration between local artists and a property developer gave birth to the F.A.T. Phuket initiative. The acronym "F.A.T." stands for "Food Art Town," and this creative project, located in the heart of the old town, has captured the interest of both tourists and locals alike. Over the years, this initiative has sparked a growing interest in street art across the entire island, including places like Kata, which I recently introduced you to.
To start our tour, we will make our way to Dibuk Road, near the Wat Mongkhon Nimit (วัดมงคลนิมิตร), specifically at the intersection with Yaowarat Road. Here, you will come across a striking old Sino-European green building that serves as a wonderful starting point.
Wat Mongkhon Nimit | Canon EOS M6 Mark II - Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN
Sino-European green building | Canon EOS M6 Mark II - Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DNOne of the prominent pieces you'll find in this area is a representation of King Rama IX, also known as Bhumibol Adulyadej. Beloved by the Thai people, King Rama IX reigned over Thailand for 66 years, from May 5, 1950, to October 13, 2016. This mural was painted after his passing in 2016 and depicts different aspects of the King's life. During his reign, he played a crucial role in the development and modernization of Thailand, earning immense respect and adoration from his subjects.
King Rama IX | Canon EOS M6 Mark II - Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DNOn the opposite sidewalk, you'll find another representation of King Rama IX, holding a camera in hand. This mural pays homage to the King's passion for photography.
King Rama IX | Canon EOS M6 Mark II - Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DNContinuing along this sidewalk towards Wat Mongkhon Nimit (วัดมงคลนิมิตร), you'll soon reach Soi Rommani (ซอย รมณีย์) on your right. "Soi" translates to "street" in Thai. Take a stroll down this short street, which connects to the Sunday night market street (see my post on this market) and you will arrive in front of 2 Street Art.
The first one is the Red Turtle Cake, symbolizing long life and good fortune, created by the artist Alex Face. Not do same me and use a short focal length to capture it in your picture, as there isn't much space behind it.
Alex Face's art combines elements of street art, graffiti, and pop culture, and his style is characterized by vibrant colors and intricate details. His work explores themes of social and environmental issues, urbanization, and the impact of modern society on nature and wildlife.
The artist gained significant recognition after his mural depicting a crying child version of his character went viral. This mural, titled "Fear," became an emblematic symbol of political protests in Thailand, reflecting the frustrations and concerns of the youth in the country.
Red Turtle Cake | Canon EOS M6 Mark II - Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DNNext to it, you'll see a colorful geometric pigeon by artist Rukkit.
Rukkit's works often feature bold colors, intricate patterns, and a fusion of traditional and contemporary elements. He has contributed significantly to the street art scene in Thailand and has participated in various street art festivals and exhibitions around the world.
pigeon | Canon EOS M50 - Tamron 70-210mm f/4 Di VC USDNow, let's take Thalang Road (ถนน ถลาง), the main road leading to the park where the Hai Leng Ong dragon statue is located. Turn right at the first intersection towards the Yellow Clock Tower, and then turn right again onto Phang Nga Road.
Thalang road | Canon EOS M50 - Tamron 70-210mm f/4 Di VC USD
Hai Leng Ong | Canon EOS M50 - Tamron 70-210mm f/4 Di VC USD
Yellow Clock Tower | Canon EOS M6 Mark II - Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DNAfter a few steps, you'll arrive at our next destination, right next to a ceramic studio workshop.
Canon EOS M6 Mark II - Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN ContemporaryNext, you'll notice an unusual storefront that appears to belong to an artist. It seems like his next painting will be about YouTube money 😂
Canon EOS M50 - Tamron 70-210mm f/4 Di VC USDLet's continue along this street, which holds many treasures! Unfortunately, some cars were parked in front of our next destination, obstructing the view. However, I had better luck with the opposite wall, where a gigantic bird created by the artist Mue Bon catches the eye.
Mue Bon's art can be found not only in the streets of Phuket but also in other cities in Thailand and even internationally.
Canon EOS M6 Mark II - Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary
gigantic bird | Canon EOS M6 Mark II - Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN
gigantic bird | Canon EOS M6 Mark II - Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN
gigantic bird | Canon EOS M6 Mark II - Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DNThe following street art pieces are a bit special because they are located in a small alley of a beautiful Chinese temple called 🐉 Saeng Tham Shrine 🐲. We will explore this temple in more detail in a future post.
Saeng Tham Shrine | Canon EOS M6 Mark II - Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN
Canon EOS M6 Mark II - Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary
Canon EOS M6 Mark II - Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary
Canon EOS M6 Mark II - Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary
Canon EOS M6 Mark II - Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN ContemporaryIt's time to get back on the road, once at the end of the street (you have no choice between left or right because in front of you, there's a Japanese restaurant 😂), take a left and then at the roundabout, take the first right onto Ranong street. From this point, there is a little walk to do before the next stop. Once you arrive at the big crossing with Patiphat street, take a right.
Soon, you should see a very special noodle restaurant on your right. You can eat there if you want. It's not too expensive, but don't expect an excellent meal; it's rather average but the atmosphere and decoration are very pleasant.
Canon EOS M6 Mark II - Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary
Canon EOS M6 Mark II - Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary
Canon EOS M6 Mark II - Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary
We're soon reaching the end of our tour. We have only one more stop to make on the way back to our starting point. To go there, after the restaurant, turn right at the first junction. This is the street that leads back to the main street (the one with the Sunday evening market). At a certain point on your right, you will see a small alley with a painting on the wall.
Canon EOS M6 Mark II - Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary
Canon EOS M6 Mark II - Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN ContemporaryIf you've read this far, congratulations! You've seen everything. Now, you can tell me in the comments which of these street art pieces you preferred 😉
Did you enjoy this unusual tour of Old Phuket Town through its street art? Exploring a city's street art can be a fascinating way to delve into its culture, history, and creativity.
If you also want to share a different aspect of a city that deviates from the usual presentation, feel free to make your post in the Bon Voyage community on Blurt!
Map of our tour of the Street Art of the Old Phuket Town
Curated by @ultravioletmag
Thanks for the support and the curation @ultravioletmag 😊
The "Fear" mural and the street art Gigantic bird makes a rather dull wall to transform into a meaningful message and it does beautify such places @nalexandre.
Here in my place there is a dose of outright vandalism made by some youth with nothing better to do but make things ugly. I hope that the local government would penalize them enough to make them regret their annoying deeds.
But anyway thanks to the street artists which contributes to the beauty of the streets of Thailand for as long as it is not political in my opinion but rather cultural where people can be inspired and learn about how Thailand is a good place but not totally.