Meeting of Styles Thailand 2019 Photo Recap
As you explore the nooks and crannies of Bangkok, you might come across stunning street art in public spaces. Some come in the form of sculptures. Others are mural works such as stickers, spray paint art, or other kinds of paintings.
A lot of times, these pieces are there solely for aesthetic values. But just as often, these arts are used to criticize current social issues.
Whatever the case, mural art remains the most pervasive form of street art. For Thai mural artists, the scene is supported by Meeting of Styles (MOS) - a non-profit network founded by international artists and art enthusiasts. The organization has raised money from both public and private sectors to fund its endeavors.
MOS’s mission is to create a forum for the international art community to exchange and gather ideas, work & skills. Through its events and activities, Meeting of Styles has set up an environment that promotes intercultural connection a global scale.
Let’s take a step back in time. Before becoming what it is today, the organization was first established 22 years ago in 1997 as “Wall Street Meeting” in Wiesbaden, Germany. The city is famous for large-scale graffiti events.
Wall Street Meeting eventually became Meeting of Styles in 2002. Since then, the internationally connected group has hosted graffiti and street art events in over 25 countries. Thailand’s team has been given the right to operate under the name “MOS Thailand” since 2014.
This year’s event, Meeting of Styles Thailand 2019, has just concluded spectacularly (and awesomely) on May 10-12.
Over 40 Thai and international artists joined together to transform the drab drywalls and cargo containers at Gypsy Flamingo Lake Market in Lat Krabang with striking graffiti. By breathing new life into this space, they turned it into a spanking-new attraction that anyone would want to drop by and take a few photos as souvenirs.
‘Global Idol’ serves as the main theme for the 2019 event. That’s why the walls are painted with all sorts of characters: cartoons, people, animals, and avatars unique to the writers (artists). Each had unusual shapes and vivid colors that grab your attention.
As mentioned, Meeting of Styles features artists from around the world. This year’s list included Cloak (Malaysia), Bailer (Australia), All Anema Crew (Italy), Prett (Argentina), EmilyMayRose (Canada), Disk (Taiwan), De Leon (Mexico), Wios (Spain), Linas (Lithuania), Komas (France), Neilhw (Hong Kong), and many more.
Thai artists such as Benzilla, Nicha, Pakorn BNA, Rukkit, Big Del, and Bonus TMC joined as well with their own creation.
While the writers were creating fresh pieces, the event provided other art activities and workshops. MOS Talk let artists and toymakers take to the stage to discuss and share ideas.
Next was the workshop for kids under 18, where toddlers and teens can create art together. (It was quite a sight to see, too. Many young artists who joined were incredibly talented at creating graffiti.)
There was also a toy exhibition and designer’s market. At the marketplace, you could purchase inventive toys and artsy items such as figurines, paintings, pins, and much more.
As the night approaches, it was time for street performers from High 11 Low and MYPD. After seeing show-stopping tricks from the gang of B-Boy dancers and BMX cyclists, the crowd exploded in a huge round of applause.
Another essential that made it all ran smoothly and kept everyone excited is the tracks the DJs - Orawan, Blackrain, and Sticky Keys - provided through the day.
From now on, mural art and graffiti left by international artists at Gypsy Flamingo Lake Market will surely become a prime example of how cultural exchange and communication can be made publicly accessible through street art.
The event promotes a positive image and understanding of the graffiti scene, and might even inspire people to start creating something of their own.
If you’re interested in seeing where Meeting of Styles Thailand will take the street art culture next, follow their Facebook Page down below!