Thai artist captures ‘Color of Saigon’ with delicate ink lines, watercolor strokes

Hosted by the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City, the exhibition aims to highlight the deep cultural ties and people-to-people connections between Thailand and Vietnam through the medium of visual art.

It coincides with the recent elevation of ties between Vietnam and Thailand to a comprehensive strategic partnership, highlighting cultural bonds between the two nations.

According to Thai Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Wiraka Moodhitaporn, the idea for 'Color of Saigon' had been nurtured for around two years before coming to life through the Consulate-General’s collaboration with Verdillon.

“We worked with her and gave her time to experience Saigon through her own eyes, to create works that she feels represent the city as well as the relationship between Thailand and Vietnam,” the diplomat said.

“I think it’s important to introduce this kind of work to bring people closer together, which is our aim.

“I hope visitors will see how the artist, who has chosen Saigon as her home, expresses her imagination and storytelling about what connects people.”

'Color of Saigon' marks Fuanglada's first solo exhibition in Ho Chi Minh City since relocating to the vibrant metropolis with her husband and two children two years ago.

Fuanglada, who goes by the art name Sai, is a Thai watercolor artist and pattern designer known for her delicate brushwork and vibrant storytelling.

She began her artistic journey studying fine arts at Surat Thani Vocational College in southern Thailand, and later earned a degree in fashion, textile industry, and textile design from Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon in Bangkok.

Her early career spanned various roles in the textile industry, including fashion and carpet design, before she founded her own brand Janfive as a way to share her creative vision through hand-painted designs.

After years of intense work, she chose to return to her roots: focusing full-time on watercolor painting and illustration, where her passion truly lies.

Through a series of watercolor paintings, illustrations, and patterns on ceramics, Sai captures the unique beauty and spirit of Saigon as seen through her own eyes in 'Color of Saigon.'

The artist told Tuoi Tre News at the exhibition that her inspiration comes from everyday life, found on every corner and street, and that the series took her one year to complete.

Sai expressed her interest in learning more about Vietnam, noting her fondness for books and history.

To her, the city’s history is especially charming, marked by a unique style that continues to inspire creativity in the younger generation.

'Color of Saigon' runs at the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Cultural House from September 19 to 23, with free admission for all visitors.

In addition to the exhibition, a workshop is held on September 20 and 21 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, offering participants a chance to learn painting from Sai’s perspective and experience the creative process behind her work.