Thai Art Toy Fest comes to Bangkok this weekend

The IconSiam shopping complex is the place to be this weekend as the Thai Art Toy Fest kicks off tomorrow. The exhibition showcases Thailand’s rich heritage, all through the lens of art toys.

Brought to you by a powerhouse collaboration between the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), IconSiam, and DDD Collectible Art Toys, the event will feature over 80 art toy creators and studios from across the nation. These aren’t just any toys, they’re miniature masterpieces capturing the essence of Thailand’s art, culture, history, and even its delectable cuisine.

The festival’s centrepiece is a jaw-dropping collection of mythical creatures representing Thailand’s five regions. These aren’t your average figurines. Organisers describe them as creatures in folklore, guardians of religious sites, Himmapan creatures at the foot of Mount Sumeru, local creatures, guardians of the environment and sea, and creatures of archaeological sites. And if you’re feeling lucky, you could walk away with one of these limited-edition figures—only 100 will be given away.

Adding to the excitement, art toys inspired by the spiritual power of incense from temples and shrines nationwide will also be on display. And don’t miss the debut of an art toy modelled after Sarut Tangkoonsombati aka Monomoth, famously dubbed the world’s most beautiful male wrestler.

If you’re itching to get hands-on, the festival offers a painting workshop led by three talented Thai art toy makers, where you can create and take home your very own art toy. Plus, several insightful talks will reveal the secrets behind the growing success of Thai art toys as a cultural soft power, reported The Nation.

In related news, the National Gallery in Bangkok invites you to, 200 Years Journey Through Thai Modern Art History, a spectacular exhibition running until August 31. This exhibition, held in collaboration with the Art Auction Centre, offers a rare opportunity to explore over two centuries of Thai art history.