Phuket - Day One
My Artist Residency in Phuket: Day One
Come with me as I share my exciting journey during my five-week international artist residency in Thailand. From spicy food to historic mansions, art galleries, and quirky coffee shops, my first day was packed with adventure!
All Rights Reserved ⓒ Photos by Nani P
The Journey Begins
The adventure started with a nine-hour flight from Melbourne to Bangkok. To pass the time, I watched four movies, including 'Barbie' for the first time. It’s fantastic—I now understand why everyone loves it! I arrived in Bangkok around 8 p.m., where Thosaphorn and Occ greeted me at the airport and took me out for dinner. Thai food is delicious but super spicy! My taste buds were on fire.
Early Morning and Off to Phuket
Bright and early the next morning—at 4 a.m.—we caught a flight to Phuket. No time for jet lag! We were headed to the Phuket International Contemporary Art Festival for five days of creativity and inspiration.
Day One: Sightseeing for Inspiration
For the first two days, the festival organizers took us around Phuket to gather inspiration for our workshop. Our first stop was a beautiful mansion, now the Blue Elephant Restaurant. This mansion, over a hundred years old, is a stunning example of Sino-Portuguese architecture, designed with Feng Shui principles.
The Blue Elephant Mansion
The Blue Elephant Mansion is a relic of Phuket's tin mining boom in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This period saw a fusion of Chinese and European influences in architecture, resulting in the unique Sino-Portuguese style. The mansion itself was built by a wealthy Chinese tin baron who wanted to display his prosperity and blend Eastern and Western design elements. The Feng Shui principles used in its construction were intended to bring harmony, prosperity, and good luck to its inhabitants.
After a tasty lunch, we explored old town Phuket. One highlight was The Peranakanitat Museum, which celebrates the Peranakan community. This community began in the 19th century when Chinese immigrants settled in Phuket and married local Thai and Malay people. The museum showcases their rich history, traditions, and how they shaped Phuket’s culture.
The Peranakan Community
The Peranakan, also known as the Straits Chinese or Baba-Nyonya, have a distinct culture that blends Chinese, Malay, and Thai influences. In Phuket, this community thrived due to the island's strategic location and flourishing tin mining industry. The Peranakan are known for their vibrant festivals, unique cuisine, and beautiful traditional clothing. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into their daily lives, showcasing everything from traditional wedding ceremonies to intricate beadwork and embroidery.
Vanich Legacy Art Gallery
Next, we visited the Vanich Legacy Art Gallery, where we met Mrs. Anchalee, the president of the Phuket Art Association. Her passion for the arts was truly inspiring. The Vanich Legacy Art Gallery is named after a prominent Phuket family known for their contributions to the local art scene. The gallery features works from both established and emerging Thai artists, offering a platform for creative expression and cultural exchange. It’s a hub for artists and art lovers alike, fostering a vibrant community dedicated to the arts.
We took a break at Rise and Grind Espresso, a charming coffee shop inside the gallery. The young couple who own it trained as baristas in Melbourne, so the coffee was top-notch—a little taste of home in Phuket!
Welcoming the Artists
We ended the day with a big dinner welcome party. We met artists from around the world, enjoyed a local art auction, and indulged in delicious food and beer. It was the perfect way to unwind and connect after a long, exciting day.
Stay Tuned
That’s all for my first day in Phuket—filled with history, art, and a touch of spice. Stay tuned for more updates as I explore this vibrant island and its art scene. See you in the next post for day two in Phuket. Bye!
Follow my journey on Instagram and YouTube for more behind-the-scenes content and daily updates from my artist residency in Thailand. Let's explore Phuket together!
All Rights Reserved ⓒ Photos by Nani P
