In stark contrast to the ordinary and dull, colonial style buildings, House Number 100 now screams at motorists and pedestrians to stop, turn their heads, pull over and have a closer look. But don't stare too long, take a photo – it will last much longer, so the saying goes. As part of a creative “100 of Arts” youth art project, the historical building was given a trendy, new exterior face-lift, featuring iconic street-art depictions of sweets and treats.
On January 18, Phuket artists and students came together to collaborate on the project near the corner of Phang Nga and Yaowarat roads, in the Old Town sector of Talad Yai sub district. The theme: Street Art Sweets. The concept: decorate the historic facade with colourful street art so as to entice aspiring photographers and selfie smiley models to come and pose for pictures, which so far has proved to be a huge hit in Phuket's art savvy social media circles.
The project was the brainchild of Ms Boontita Boonsusakul, 18, who is a relative of the house owner, and is an aspiring artist herself.
Speaking to The Phuket News, Ms Boontita explained the concept of the House 100 project.
“I wanted to open up the opportunity for friends to demonstrate their artistic abilities. This house is in a prime historical and cultural area and we wanted to create something new and exciting,” she said.
“The Old Town sector is mostly known for its Sino-portuguese architecture and traditional Phuket food, which attract tourists from every corner of the world, and so I wanted to create a new and interesting attraction, not only for foreign tourists, but locals as well,” she said.
Aspiring social media selfie models should not wait too long to get their smartphone and professional portraits taken at House Number 100, because the house owner may soon have second thoughts, considering all the hoards of visitors she's received since the launch of the project.