From October 12 to November 22, 2024.
Thale Sukpranee: Stepping Into the Spotlight
Most people in Hua Hin may not recognize the name Thale Sukpranee or even his artist pseudonym, งง (pronounced Ngong). A few more might know him by his nickname, Joe, but far more will instantly recognize his iconic street art, particularly the “eye” that features in many of his works. While Joe has chosen to remain a figure of mystery for many years, his art is unmistakable to anyone who has walked through the streets of Hua Hin with even a hint of awareness.
Now, Joe is making the bold decision to step out of the shadows and take a more active role in Hua Hin’s artistic community. Unlike many artists who cite others as sources of inspiration, Joe’s art is purely introspective. His creations serve as his primary means of self-expression, allowing his work to communicate far more than he ever has in person.
A “treasure hunt” for Joe’s street art will quickly reveal numerous examples scattered throughout Hua Hin. He estimates there are over a thousand of his public art pieces in the city. Joe has been drawing for as long as he can remember and boasts a portfolio of over 30,000 drawings.
Joe’s Signature
A recurring motif in Joe’s art is the heart, a symbol of love—not romantic love, but a universal love for humanity and all living things on Earth. For Joe, the heart represents compassion and solidarity, standing in stark contrast to conflict and division. His works also frequently depict graceful birds with intricately curved feathers.
Joe’s art is organic and free-flowing, with very few straight lines. The bird, for him, symbolizes freedom, something he felt was out of reach during his school years and early adulthood. And the eye? In Western culture, the eye is often seen as a window to the soul. For Joe, it represents truly seeing people—their hopes, dreams, and needs—and embracing them with love and gratitude.
Artistic Roots
Joe was born 41 years ago in Bangkok, but Hua Hin has always been close to his heart as his mother’s hometown, where he spent many childhood holidays. His artistic talents clearly come from his mother’s side, with both his mother and aunt possessing creative flair.
Though Joe is firmly rooted in the present, he remains optimistic about the future, believing that the collective human spirit will continue to elevate the world. He also hopes that a stronger emphasis on art in Thailand will contribute to greater happiness. Wherever he goes, Joe uses his art to spread joy and positivity.
Elephant Design ‘Hugs’
On August 11th, Joe will visit Elephant Parade Land in Chiang Mai to paint his full-size elephant, ‘Hugs’. This elephant will be the flagship for the upcoming Elephant Parade Hua Hin, set to take place from October 12 to November 22, 2024.
Website : www.elephantparade.com
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