TEXT & PHOTO: PEERAPAT WIMOLRUNGKARAT
(For Thai, press here)
Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park, also known as Rai Mae Fah Luang, is one of the destinations I find myself gravitating towards whenever the chance to explore Chiang Rai presents itself (the latest return marks my seventh visit).
It’s a place of happiness and memories, echoing the memories of the first time I was there.
Several years ago, I had the chance to attend the wedding of two of my older friends. It was within this very park that they celebrated their union. It was then that I also made a promise to myself to return to this place the next time I came back to Chiang Rai.
Little did I fathom that the promise made on that very day would materialize, drawing me back to Chiang Rai in the year 2023. Fresh from a photography gig, I arrived just as the radiant Light of Life exhibition adorned the park. The weather and ambiance conspired harmoniously, and I took the opportunity to see the exhibit both at night when the park was bathed in a beautiful glow of light and during the day with daylight’s gentle touch.
The beauty of Rai Mae Fah Luang captivated me—the curated sequence of artworks woven into the park’s landscape and architecture.
In 2024, I was back at Rai Mae Fah Luang, where I had the opportunity to immerse myself in documenting the park in its full glory while it hosted the Thailand Biennale, Chiang Rai 2023. Unfolding amidst the park’s enchanting surroundings, the event became a haven for artists to unveil their masterpieces. My photo shoot felt like a poetic mental retreat.
Spending time in the space, delving into each artwork, I could feel the energy permeating from the spaces and the artists’ artistic creations, akin to savoring a well-brewed drink that tantalizes the senses.
Exploring the park and taking in the presence of nature, my view of the world has been recalibrated. I took my time to observe the changing landscapes and admire the architecture, unhurriedly and unconstrained by any tight schedule. I asked myself questions—some about what I encountered, some more introspective. I could feel the grass smiling while I appreciated its lovely scent and the sounds of rustling leaves saying their hello. It was peaceful, and I fell in love. ‘I want to build a home here, in Chiang Rai,’ I heard myself thinking.”
_____________
Peerapat ‘Add’ Wimolrungkarat The photographer who loves to capture moments and memories that hidden in still images.
Leica Ambassador (Thailand)
Architecture photography @somethingarchitecture