Centred among the eclectic shops on Phang Nga Road, I Mon Art Gallery is bright, cheerful and full of intricate detail. Walking inside the gallery, and thereby into the world of its resident artist/owner Monthian Yangthong, is a jaw-dropping experience.
Paintings featuring the artist himself cover the walls, some spiritual, others abstract, while stacks of magazines, old newspapers and art supplies fill every empty nook and cranny. Sitting surrounded by all of this, perfecting his technique at a small table, is Monthian.
He is a quirky fellow, very energetic, extremely friendly, passionate and so very talented. He is the only artist in Phuket who makes woodcut and linocut prints, a fact of which he is very proud.
Originating from Songkhla, Monthian has been in Phuket for nine years. Originally opening his gallery to showcasing his paintings, over the years he realized his real passion and talent was in linocut and woodcut printing and he has since honed and nurtured that talent. It was a wise decision on Monthian’s part, as his linocut and woodcut prints really are his claim to fame.
Large prints cover the walls of I Mon Art Gallery. They feature the faces of such famous artists as Frida Kahlo and Salvador Dali, Reggae music legend Bob Marley, the iconic Steve Jobs and pop culture doyens such as Andy Warhol.
Aesthetically pleasing, the prints make great centerpieces, however, it is when one gets up close and personal to the prints that the intricate details really pop.