Living in Chiang Mai isn’t all temples and elephants you know. There are other cultural experiences to be had for the mature traveller, and here I am talking temperament not age of course, looking for new artistic avenues to explore. Chiang Mai Art in Paradise is one such place designed specifically for you. Not quite at Le Louvre level but getting close.
Located on Chang Klan Road, which is one of the main roads of Chiang Mai outside the old town walls, this building was once a big department store that has been transformed into a photographers playground by Jang Kyu Suk, a South Korean artist. The centre is filled with creative, colourful 3D art by 12 South Korean artists designed to engage visitors and encouraging them to become more and more childlike the further into the display they get.
This is what you are getting yourself into.
I have to say that it is easy to spend a couple of hours here as long as you come with a partner so you can swap taking photos. Great for kids of ALL ages.
The illusions you will see in the following photos are all created by paintings on the walls and floors. There are no protruding bits in any of these photos apart from me and Gaun!
For obvious reasons words escape me here and the remainder of this post will be photos.
One of those dual image paintings to get you started.
In the swimming pool. “My Cat”, a handbag picked up at Darling Harbour, is featured in many photos over here.
Gaun proving that her fish catching skills aren’t just reserved to Australia. That fishing rod and line looks so real and standing outside the wall doesn’t it. My Cat is looking forward to fish for dinner.
Shhhh. Don’t tell the Japanese.
Not so hidden gold. I wish.
In my dreams. A boogie board was the height of my surfing achievements.
A quick learner.
I never thought it would end like this in Thailand. My Cat isn’t impressed either.
My Cat meets giraffe.
Me and the big guy sharing some coke man.
Wasn’t expecting that.
Ah. Sabai, sabai – relax, relax.
Horsing around.
Panda perfect. There are pandas at Chiang Mai zoo but I am waiting for Peng, Gaun’s daughter, to visit us before going.
More wildlife.
Always happy to help out.
Gaun is very versatile. From surfing to classical music.
Sheepish.
A backhander. Probably a NSW Labor politician.
Getting wet but in a good cause.
That’s more like it. Cheers mate.
A Tuscan scene in Chiang Mai.
Downtown Italy.
Oh so la mai.
Stepping back from the illusion. That is all flat floor until behind the boat, which is real, where the wall starts,
Rome I believe. The wall is real but everything else is painted.
Makes me feel quite significant in certain aspects.
Stepping across the bridge that isn’t there.
I always knew I had it in me.
The apple of my eye.
Designed for a bad Thai food experience.
Stairway to heaven? Looks like hard work to me.
With the rainy season on its way this could come in useful.
Camel-power.
There is no step. It is painted on the wall and holding that position is hell on the thighs.
Tony Eastmead and Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Head massage gone wrong.
That genuinely looks like it is floating in the room doesn’t it.
The Thai version.
More trouble ahead.
A pretty puppet.
An angel dude.
What Gaun really thinks of me.
A birthday angel. How sweet.
This one fits the image better I think.
Surprise!
Hot stuff.
A bit strong but I do love my lifestyle here in Thailand.
Taking it to the edge. A story of my life – not.
A “real” optical illusion – see below.
See ya.
So if you find yourself in Chiang Mai and want a break from the Thai experience then pop in here. Great for a rainy afternoon too. There’s a coffee shop downstairs to rest the feet afterwards.
The website is HERE and their map is pretty accurate – a first.
Thanks for reading or looking at the photos anyway.
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