Chanida Areewatanasombat: The Artist Who Illustrates Her Inner Turmoil

Bangkok-based illustrator Chanida Areewatanasombat, known as Chubbynida, transforms her emotional struggles into captivating art she refers to as "visual diaries." Her latest project focuses on the theme of letting go, a reflection on the emotional burdens many of us carry.

Chanida recognizes that we often cling to feelings of anger, frustration, and regret long past their expiration date. "Letting go itself is not the feeling; it's all the emotions within that process that I'm most stuck on," she explains. The artist acknowledges that despite the challenge, releasing these emotions is essential for personal growth.

Rather than verbalizing her feelings, Chanida channels them into her artwork. "When I create something, I feel a bit relieved," she shares. Each piece may not grant her complete release, but the act of creation lightens her emotional load. Her illustrations are characterized by surreal humor and thoughtful symbolism, with delicate black lines and a vibrant color palette that draw viewers into her inner world.

Chanida's journey into illustration began during her university years, but after graduating, she faced a creative block that lasted for years. A transformative move to London for a master's degree at Kingston University reignited her passion and clarified her artistic identity. "Living alone in a new country taught me to become self-reliant. It brought me back to myself," she recalls.

Today, her artistic toolkit includes gouache, oil pastels, and digital animation, allowing her to express her messages in various forms. Titles of her works, like "Fishy and Spicy" or "Head Heist," reflect her method of condensing complex emotions into single words that inspire her illustrations.

Chanida's "visual diaries" are a more intimate aspect of her practice, often displayed in exhibitions throughout Thailand. While sharing her work feels vulnerable, it also fosters a connection with her audience. "If I'm not deeply connected to what I want to tell, the feeling behind it won't come through," she admits.

To maintain some distance from her personal narratives, she employs symbols and surreal imagery, allowing viewers to interpret her work in their own way. Recently, Chanida's reach has expanded beyond Thailand, as she is now represented by London agency POCKO, and she sees a growing community of confident young artists in Bangkok exploring diverse storytelling methods.

As she prepares for a new exhibition at Ó! Galeria in Porto this January, Chanida continues to work on her character design project, Chu-Billiken, which is rolling out globally. With additional secret projects slated for 2027, she is optimistic about her creative future, urging supporters to wish her luck.

Source: www.creativeboom.com