Thai Artist Paints at Every Stop on 1,300KM Cycle From Bangkok to Penang

By Danial Martinus • 12 Mar 2025 in Art

Thirsty for JUICE content? Quench your cravings on our Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp

If there’s one thing Thai artist Alex Face (Patcharapon Tangruen) knows how to do, it’s giving meaning to movement.

From abandoned buildings in Bangkok to massive murals around the world, his work has always been a journey—both physically and creatively. But this time, he’s taken that concept to the extreme.

Over the past weeks, Alex Face has embarked on an epic 1,300km cycling journey from Bangkok to Penang, painting at every stop along the way.

Art (and artist) in motion

Imagine having to endure the sweltering tropical heat, the absolutely gruelling distance, and an ever-changing landscape. Okay, the last part is pretty cool, but it’s obvious that the artist is on a serious mission.

In a sense, its Alex’s way of returning to his creative roots, harking back to the days when he used to wander Bangkok’s streets in search of forgotten walls to paint.

On his Bangkok-to-Penang cycle, he brings with him portable canvases, following a similar mission—to capture fleeting moments and tell stories of the spaces he passes through.

His signature character—a melancholic, three-eyed child with bunny ears—has become a symbol of innocence staring into an unpredictable world. His inspiration for the figure came from his newborn daughter, and it’s been evolving through time, shifting across murals and gallery walls.

“The first time I saw my daughter, she looked worried,” Alex Face reflects. “I wondered, are you not happy to be in this world?”

The character’s third eye is a subtle nod to Thai spiritual beliefs, symbolising the ability to perceive the invisible. Your parents probably told you having a third eye meant being able to see ghosts. Maybe that’s why this character is so melancholic.

Now, it takes on new forms through his latest works, painted en route to Penang.

But this isn’t his first time taking his art on the road. Back in 2024, he began an en plein air landscape painting series, travelling to Khao Lak and Chiang Mai to paint on location. The sheer scale of this latest adventure, however, pushes the project to new heights.

The final destination: Faded Landscapes

The journey ends in Penang, where his latest works will be showcased in Faded Landscapes, a solo exhibition presented by Cultprint and Bangkok CityCity Gallery.

Running from 15 March to 18 May, the exhibition is more than just a display of paintings—it’s a celebration of movement, creativity, and the act of seeing.

It’s part of a wider programme called Penang Long Art Weekend, with Faded Landscapes extending beyond the gallery. Expect murals, a Hin Bus Depot painting restoration, special displays at the E&O Hotel, and more.

There’s even a weekend-long lineup of events, including an artist dialogue and a studio tour for those who want to dive deeper into Alex Face’s creative process.