Art and Its Connection to the Urban Connection
Exploring the relationship between art and city life reveals a dynamic interaction that enhances and reflects both. The way people live in a city is mirrored in the art they create, and conversely, the art that fills urban spaces can inspire new lifestyles for residents.
Creating meaningful city-related art requires thoughtful consideration of every context. It should resonate with the locals while also encouraging fresh ways of living. This is a challenging yet rewarding task for artists. In this interview, Suraporn Lertwongpaitoon, a seasoned artist known as ‘Jekky Zoo,’ shares his experiences of creating urban art in Ratchaburi for the event ‘Street Art on Ratchaburi 2: We Are the City.’
Curating ‘Street Art on Ratchaburi 2: We Are the City’
Even after more than a decade, Suraporn Lertwongpaitoon’s work as a curator for ‘Street Art on Ratchaburi 2: We Are the City’ remains a pivotal experience in urban art.
“In 2013, I was tasked with curating a street art exhibition in Ratchaburi titled ‘Street Art in Ratchaburi 2: We Are the City.’ The concept was to reflect the interdependence between the city and its inhabitants. The idea was that the city shapes its people, and the people shape their city.
It was a lot of fun because Ratchaburi had the Jartown group, local graffiti artists, and others from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and beyond who were eager to join. We prepared for over two months.”
Working on urban art revealed how it can reflect the local context and foster new interactions.
“It became clear that while some people understood and appreciated it, others didn’t, but all were affected by it. Some locals said their businesses improved, and others, even if they didn’t fully grasp it, appreciated its beauty. The art attracted tourists and enlivened the area.”
When asked about the appeal of creating urban art, Suraporn emphasized that introducing art to locals is a crucial first step.
“I believe that if our work can bring beauty and art into people’s daily lives, it’s a good start. It also provides a large canvas for our work.”
Regarding satisfaction from urban art projects, Suraporn noted the importance of community involvement and seeing the results of their efforts.
“The main thing is the community’s involvement, like offering wall space, food, and hospitality. Once, a van driver commented on how the wall art brought attention to the area, showing that art can instill pride in residents.”
Art and the Urban Environment
Suraporn Lertwongpaitoon finds the integration of art into urban settings highly beneficial, impacting various aspects positively.
“The most visible impact is an improved’scenic view,’ which affects the city’s residents. Art has a positive influence, enhancing well-being and boosting the economy through trade, business, or real estate development.”
However, urban art faces challenges in cultivating an appreciation for beauty, which is dynamic and subjective.
“The lack of cultivated appreciation for aesthetics and the overall value of art is a significant obstacle. It often requires extensive explanation to locals about our efforts to create beauty and harmony, even if it deviates from what they’re used to.”
Today, Suraporn Lertwongpaitoon, or Jekky Zoo, continues to be active in the art world, creating works and aspiring to see many global art pieces. He concludes with Ticy City that art can indeed transform cities.
“Art can change a city. It can highlight the positive attributes of an area, making it a place where residents can fully utilize their environment, leading to a better and happier life.”
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