SHOWCASE

/ ARTIST / 2026

ARTIST: Bammism
COUNTRY: Thailand
CONTACT: https://puthimartslashbamm.cargo.site/
https://www.facebook.com/bammism/
https://www.instagram.com/bammism/
Bammism is an illustrator based in Bangkok. At a young age , she would draw on every piece of paper she could find - being simultaneously told by her teachers to “Stop doodling or get out of my class!” and “Keep on doodling, and if anyone criticises you for it, let me know.” . Fortunately, she went with the latter option.

Her work has a heavy focus on identity be it Generations-Z- , Neurodiversity or being ethnic Chinese in Thailand . Illustration has always helped her express herself in an overwhelming world where verbal communication might not be the best tool.

She is an artist with a self described ‘hands on’ approach. The majority of her works are using traditional illustration tools but if the opportunity arises to explore new mediums - she would dive right in.

Her key source of inspiration are the Chinese guardian statues of Wat Po, Also known as Tukta Abchao. Their History , Iconic status in Thai pop culture and intricate stone-carved details being of particular interest. Bammism’s found them fuelling passion in the arts , drawing them without pause through her final years of school. While studying at university abroad, and examining her cultural identity, she realised that statues were were very much like the Thai-Chinese minority in the way they have been assimilated into Thai culture and society despite being originally foreign.

Bammism is what makes her who she is. It is ever changing yet constant; a torrent of never ending thoughts condensed into the tip of a brush.

Bammism is currently working on expanding her illustration series “Abchao Afterhours” : A playful glimpse into what her old companions might be up to in Wat Po once the temple closes.

The Marvelous Party of the Two Tigers under the Full Moon, A dog stares dreamily into the distance’

Acrylic Gouache on Hot Press paper
2026

Inspired by British playwright Noel Cowards song ‘ I went to a Marvellous Party ‘ this commissioned painting embodies two enamoured tigers, their undying loyalty , protecting and endearing a Shitzu dog as he stares into the distance - into the audience. This moment Is adorned by a frame containing the 12 Guardians - An Abchao statue inspired anthropomorphic interpretation of the animals in the Chinese Zodiac calendar, all of them occupied in differing actions but amidst this sense of chaos , the tigers are able to enjoy their serenade , akin to how Coward’s word play and flow is able to level with the pandemonium of events in the song.

“Marilyn” // “มาริลิน” Gouache on hot press paper , October 2025

Following the success of Abchao After Hours Volume 1, I decided to expand on this narrative of the statues coming to life after dark — what happens when they are able to venture OUT of the temple? How do they react to seeing humans that can see them , once frozen but now in motion?



Thanks to the roaring winds of the Chaophraya River, this Western-style Abchao became a Fashion Icon,
the Talk of the Town.

ลมแรงที่เคลื่อนจากแม่น้ำเจ้าพระยา ได้ทำให้อับเฉาที่แต่งกายแบบฝรั่งท่านนี้กลายเป็นดาราภายในชั่วข้ามคืน — และกลายเป็นเหตุการณ์ที่ท่านจะไม่มีวันลืมได้

“SHHH!” // “เงียบเงียบนะ!” Gouache on hot press paper , October 2025

A Chinese style Abchao quietly sneaks out of the Temple grounds.. steered by his curious mind onto the bustling roads of Bangkok City, Once spotted, he turns , hinting “shhh, be quiet” at unsuspecting humans.

ตุ๊กตาอับเฉาจีนย่องอย่างซุกซน ด้วยความอยากรู้อยากเห็นว่าวันนี้จะมีอะไรเกิดขึ้น ตรงถนนหน้าประตูวัด แล้วก็รีบส่งสัญญาณให้มนุษย์ที่ได้เห็นว่า “ เงียบเงียบนะ!”

Nai Kwak

Nai Kwak
Acrylic Gouache on Hot Press paper
2025

The Nang kwak is a spirit believed to bring prosperity to whoever that bears a talisman of her — she usually appears in the shape of a woman in traditional Thai garments with one hand up in a waving-like motion (Kwak in Thai) , attracting customers. I wanted to switch things up abit , so this is a Nai Kwak, a male Chinese warrior statue in the same exact pose. Will he bring customers and prosperity? Of course. And he may also bring in balance and stability, just like how these statues helped balance empty ships in the roaring oceans.

‘Let’s All Gallop Into a Year Of Prosperity and Good Health Together!’

Acrylic Gouache on Hot Press paper
2026

A painting I did to welcome the year of the Fire Horse featuring a Chinese opera style warrior mounted on a flaming horse as it readies itself to gallop ahead into the coming year, a year of prosperity and good health.

‘ Tha Tien : One More Time ‘ : The furious guardian of Wat Pho

Acrylic Gouache on Hot Press paper
2026

A collaboration between two Thai artists , Ton_artslawaad and Bammism .
A convergence of contrasting yet vivid mediums , Ton’s intricate mark making and cross hatching and Bamm’s lively brushwork.
The piece explores and reimagines the 1974 Thai Kaiju film , Tha Tian, based off a legend of an epic clash between the guardian giants (Yak) of Wat Arun and Wat Pho.
Yak Wat Arun , through the lenses of Ton and his precise ink work readies his club in preparation for the inevitable battle with Yak Wat Pho, depicted following the style of the movie by Bamm ‘s brush and acrylic gouache as a Chinese style giant in a pose of a warrior anticipating his battle in a Peking Opera.

‘A miniature guide on the stone statues of Wat Po’

Digital Art
Zine
2025

A zine compiling the rich history of the Abchao and Tukta Sila Jeen from how they made their way from China , what forms they come in and ways they are being preserved, both physically and in contemporary culture. The zine’s portability allows people to be able to learn about these statue’s rich history up close and on sight. Despite the title’s restriction to Wat Pho, it also features a map of other locations housing these statues within the Phra Nakhon neighbourhood, a perfect opportunity for the curious yet energetic readers.

The accordion fold format is in addition a medium which helps tell the stories of its subjects, it is able to stand freely , with the two flaps resembling opening temple gates , accompanied by a pair of guardian statues. The way this zine is meant to be read is also reminiscent to that of old Buddhist scriptures ( Samut Khoi) , paying homage to Wat Pho’s legacy not only as a temple but also an educational institution.

‘A ‘’Mini heart’’ from the past ‘

Acrylic Gouache on Hot Press paper
2026


An experimental painting combining the early Rattanakosin period ’s Chinese stone guardians (Lan Than) with the concepts from modern popculture such as the “mini heart” gesture and the proliferation of indoor plant keeping communities on social media. The Guardian , bearing a gleeful smile poses with two ‘mini hearts’ accompanied by stems of the Philodendron Pink Princess plant - known for its unique variegations and pink hues whilst being encapsulated in Chinese-style motifs.

I wanted to challenge the negative perceptions of the phrase ’Abchao’ , a term used to refer to these purposed boat-ballast turned decorative statues as In Thai it can be defined as “damp and wilting ‘ in addition to the controversial superstitions associated with yak / guardian giants ; wherein having pictures of them in a house is said to bring dysfunctionality and a lot pf people tend to be put off by their intimidating appearance. In contrary , with his warm smile and immersion into today’s culture , I hope that this painting is able to imbue a sense of warmth and homeliness, an imposing but soft ‘welcome’ .

' The Lovers set in stone I : A Serenade in the field of Bougainvillea '

Acrylic Gouache on Hot Press paper
2026

This Diptych tells a story of two statues , separated by distance but bound together by their burning passion. They met, centuries ago in a shop returning from China to Thailand , but once the ship was docked at a pier along the Chaophraya , their moment of affection was parted. One was transported to the nearby Wat Pho and the other , to Wat Suthat. Each night they came to life , they would sneak out of their respective temples to find each other but the proximity , for two small statues was not an easy feat. Over time , their stone bodies began to wear down bit by bit but even so , they persisted, for years, for decades, for even more than half a century.. Saplings became trees. Steel became rust. But yet, they continued their pursuit , despite no clear presence that it bore fruit…. Until one fateful night , amidst the merciless flowing wind of a monsoon , the petals of Wat Suthat’s bougainvillea flowers swirls just in time , just in time to touch a bud from Wat Pho’s Salakalyana (Canon Ball tree) . The statues pause. Trying to clear their vision in a sea of leaves. They are able to recognise what had set them in stone from the very beginning - their undying love.

‘The Lovers set in stone II: A Fire that yearns for warmth ‘

Acrylic Gouache on Hot Press paper
2026

I wanted to capture the yearning for a sense of idealistic and unrealistic affection like the one featured in Wong Kar Wai’s film in the Mood For Love . To viscerally convey this , each of the paintings bears differing and incomplete visible elements , which will only connect and make sense when they are paired together. A nod to a quote from John Le Carre ‘s novel Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy “ He’s my other half. Between us , We’d make one marvelous Man “