ART
If artists are seeds, then Chiang Mai provides the perfect soil and climate for them to grow. ~ Torlarp Larpjaroensook Founder of Gallery Seescape and Hern Gallery
Talented artists from around the world have chosen to make Chiang Mai their creative home. What sets this city apart from the crowd, making it fertile ground for the arts?
The Rose of the North has a long and proud history as the cultural heart of Northern Thailand, and its vibrant legacy of arts and crafts is invaluable for today’s dreamers and creators. The artistic community in Chiang Mai is marked by collaboration and experimentation.
Chiang Mai’s vibrant modern-day art culture began in the 1990s, when an artists’ collective created the revolutionary Chiang Mai Social Installation Project, a festival that challenged traditional notions of display and viewership by using open public spaces for installations, performances, and talks. Since then, a number of art galleries and festivals have entered the city’s creative landscape – still, its spirit of independence, innovation, and artistic cooperation remains intact. Moonlit gallery walks, eco-artist residences amid lush rice fields, a contemporary museum that glitters à la Thai temples…Chiang Mai offers authentic and surprising experiences for the true aficionado. Not only can you browse and add some fabulous art to your collection back home, you also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the most exciting creative movements in the world right now.
Bespoke art tours from Four Seasons Chiang Mai
-
Watercolor Painting & Contemporary Art Tour
Learn to wield the paintbrush with a classical Chiang Mai watercolorist: don your artist’s smock and join the talented Eng-On Homsuwan for a morning watercolor class at her own private gallery.
For lunch, a special menu created by the Chef awaits you at Kamphaeng Kaew, the artistic bistro housed in MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum. Afterwards, enjoy a private tour of the museum with the curator.
Duration: 6 hours
Price: from THB 15,000++ including set lunch, museum tickets and transfers for 2 guests
Please contact the concierge to reserve this experience.
-
Pottery & Contemporary Art Tour
Take a journey into the Phempracha Collection, one of Thailand's leading ceramics factories that creates truly unique and diverse stoneware ceramics. Visit the lovely gallery and then go behind the scenes at the factory – here, you can take part in the process of shaping a sculpture. This is followed by a pottery painting workshop. Your finished pieces will be fired in the kiln overnight and delivered to you within 48 hours.
For lunch, a special menu created by the Chef awaits you at Kamphaeng Kaew, the artistic bistro housed in MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum. Afterwards, enjoy a private tour of the museum with the curator.
Duration: 6 hours
Price: from THB 10,500 ++ including set lunch, museum tickets and transfer for 2 guests.
Please contact the concierge to reserve this bespoke experience.
-
Gallery Hopping Tour
Go on an exclusive art adventure with Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai. This curated itinerary of eight galleries takes you deep into the city’s flourishing creative culture, revealing the fascinating artwork and personalities that hide just out of sight.
In between the art appreciation, enjoy a leisurely lunch at Kamphaeng Kaew, the artistic bistro housed in MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum. Wrap up the experience with the famed local coffee culture at Woo Café Art Gallery.
Duration: 8 hours
Please contact the concierge to reserve this bespoke experience.
Art highlights in Chiang Mai
MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum: Located in a renovated warehouse, this project displays an important private collection of regional and national artworks. Along with the permanent collection, noteworthy temporary exhibitions are frequently presented. The building’s façade glimmers with thousands of tiny mirror tiles that reflect light – a technique beloved by traditional Thai temples.
Vichit Studio: The wonderful collection at this museum-meets-gallery is the result of one art enthusiast’s passion and drive. Vichit Chaiwong sold his business and transformed his former factory and warehouse into a venue for art appreciation. The array of paintings and sculptures on display includes his impressive private collection as well exhibits from his artist friends.
Ne’Na Contemporary Art Space: This residency program welcomes artists from around the world to explore traditional Lanna culture while practicing a sustainable lifestyle. Participants interact with a rich network of local artisans and craftspeople, with support from visiting international artists. The program is available in two aesthetic locations, both within and outside Chiang Mai city.
Eng-On Homsuwan: Fragile yet powerful, gentle yet energetic….this artist’s watercolors capture the many contradictions of life with wisdom and beauty. Along with being visually stunning, Homsuwan’s art has a strong personal identity thanks to her creative philosophy. Aspiring artists can learn a lot from this experienced watercolorist.
Galleries Night: This wintertime festival, a recent addition to Chiang Mai’s creative life, is already a firm favorite. Explore 24 galleries over two evenings, through moonlit walks in the company of fellow art lovers. The festival format is active and authentic, and the gallery walks last from sunset until midnight.
Thapae East: This venue for the arts hosts an array of creative events – installations, art, music, and poetry. The unfinished factory-style space exudes a modern, industrial feel and is a great place to mingle with fellow art lovers.
Kamphaeng Kaew Restaurant: Housed inside MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum, this bistro serves up delicious dishes in an artistic ambience – a treat for those who love both food and art. Chef Tutu, the museum’s in-house culinary expert, takes a traditional approach and favors fresh produce while crafting his menus.
