Wattana Art Gallery

Is art a journey or a destination? At the Wattana Art Gallery, it’s profoundly both. This isn’t just a gallery. It’s the life’s work of Wattana Wattanapun, a testament to a life immersed in creativity. Wattana, a long-term Chiang Mai resident, built this space to house his vast collection. He spent years honing his craft in the United States and Canada before returning to Chiang Mai in 2011. He built his studio amidst the artistic hub of Wat Umong. He even taught art at Chiang Mai University. The Wattana Art Gallery showcases pieces dating back to his student days at Silpakorn University in the 1960s. He later graduated in painting in 1968 and furthered his studies at the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design. Stepping into the Wattana Art Gallery, you might mistake it for a public museum. The sheer volume and variety of works are astonishing. From a 1968 nude reminiscent of Degas to massive 1980s abstracts, the gallery spans decades of exploration. Some of his abstract pieces were even commissioned by Hyatt and Hilton hotels. You’ll also find a unique collection inspired by local hill tribe weavers. Wattana spent months living amongst them, learning their techniques. His resulting works are a tribute to their intricate craft. Another series showcases his exploration of sa paper, influenced by the umbrella-making village of Bo Sang. Wattana constantly pushes his artistic boundaries. He even collaborated with Canadian digital artist Billy Braithwaite. This collaboration led to a fascinating fusion of traditional and modern art. Braithwaite’s vibrant, digitally created mandalas served as a base. Wattana then layered his own bold brushstrokes and human forms, often in yoga or meditative poses. The result is an “oxymoron” of styles, a captivating clash of Eastern and Western influences. The Wattana Art Gallery is more than just a collection of art. It’s an invitation to explore the artistic journey of a man who embraces curiosity and risk. It’s a place where East meets West, traditional meets modern, and art becomes a conversation.