The decision was made at a meeting on April 22, where critics voted to have the street art image of Alex Face’s character “Mardi”, a child in a rabbit costume, removed from the building. (See story here.)
The meeting was called in response to critics espousing outrage over the modern art emblazoned on the historic buildings walls as part of a 12-mural campaign by the “So Phuket” group to promote “F.A.T. Phuket” (Food, Art, Old Town) and encourage visitors to stroll the streets of Phuket Town.
Bangkok-based artist Mr Pattcharapon today told the media that he was not overly disheartened by the having to remove his own creation.
“Everyone has their own understanding and thinks in different ways about art. Also, everyone is thinking in the best interests of Phuket, as do I,” he said.
“Anyway, street artists accept that their paintings will be painted over sooner or later, that’s normal,” he added.
The removal of the mural from the old bank building walls will be completed tomorrow, Mr Pattcharapon said.
However, the campaign to complete the 12 murals throughout Phuket Old Town will go ahead, he assured.
“The next location to have a mural painted is near the entrance to the Phuket Thaihua Museum,” he said.
To read The Phuket News feature article on the mural campaign, “Using pop art to represent Phuket’s cultural heritage”, click here.