Did you know that Phuket has became a popular destination for couple who want to get married? We didn’t and perhaps we missed our chance to say our vows on one of the beautiful beaches of the island. All we did know was that we needed to get from Singapore to Thailand with the cheapest option available, hence why we ended up flying to Phuket. We didn’t really care about the island reputation of being one of the most popular places for divers and other sea related activities, we only wanted to get into Thailand and from there travel up to the mainland, stopping where and whenever we felt like it.
To avoid the big crowd of backpackers and students on their gap year, we stayed voluntarily in Phuket Town and we didn’t head to any of the most popular beaches on the West coast during our few days there, but perhaps we should have judging by the beautiful photos we keep seeing. We didn’t miss the opportunity to hit the local market as soon as we arrived and feast on some Thai food.
As we normally do when in a new place, we walked everywhere and the old town was probably our favorite area due to the architectural style that is often described as Sino-Portuguese which we particularly liked.
An Unexpected Surprise
Whilst exploring Phuket Town we couldn’t help noticing that there were quite a few art-studios and galleries which inevitably attracted our attention. We entered into a few of them, but one in particular has left an impression on us both. It’s called Wua Art Gallery & Studio.
The Wua Art Gallery sign outside featuring a cow had already captured our attention from far away and looked far too artistic for a butcher shop, in fact when we got closer we soon realized that there was no meat for sale inside. The entrance, with the whole facade open, felt very warm, welcoming and soon invited us in as we couldn’t resist stepping in to take a look. We started looking around and I stopped talking with the lady at the counter that told me she wasn’t the artist and that Mr. Zen (the hand behind the art pieces) wasn’t in. That didn’t stop me from asking a few question to fill our curiosity.
Apparently this was not only the gallery and the studio of Mr. Zen but also the home where he lived with his wife and daughter. This talented artist, after working as a professional creative director in an advertising agency and as interior designer, he dedicated himself to art and moved to Phuket where he creates his amazing oil on canvas paintings.
What we liked most about the art pieces showcased at the Wua Art Gallery created by Mr. Zen one by one, is the unique minimalist style. In fact none of the art pieces on display were over the top or over complicated, some of them only had a couple of black lines drawn and nothing else, but in same ways almost all of them felt like they wanted to communicate something to us. In fact, one of the main intentions of Mr. Zen is to inspire others by using as few details as possible in his art pieces so as to leave them open to interpretation for the spectators.
The whole art gallery looked quite funky, not only for the art pieces displayed but also for its stylish design that we particularly loved. We only wished we took more photos to show you more of Mr. Zen creations, but we focused mainly on the pieces we liked the most.
Dale’s favorites were both the one with the saxophone and the one with the man with the glasses. He loved the colours Mr. Zen used on both, quite bold but without being too much in your face, too aggressive, very subtle and pleasant to the sight.
Mine was the one with the wounded Teddy Bear that looked like it was falling from somewhere, it reminded me somehow my childhood and how I use to break some of my toys, teddy bears included, to pretend something happened to them without thinking that once they were broken I couldn’t simply glue them back together. Don’t worry, I eventually stopped before I run out of toys.
That day we wished we could have left Wua Art Gallery and Phuket Town with some of our favorite art pieces, but our backpacks wouldn’t have allowed us to carry them. We follow and keep up to date with the latest creations of Mr. Zen and his upcoming and possible exhibitions in case he comes back to Europe, like when he went to Barcelona.
We’d like to think, that one day when we settle somewhere and we have our own little pad, we will be able to have some Wua Art Gallery artworks as something from Phuket, probably the only thing we weren’t expecting to found whilst there, but the one we loved the most.
Amazing blog, Franca! I have learned something new from your blog. Actually, your pictures are beautiful. Thanks for sharing this good resources.
This sounds like such an interesting gallery, we will make sure to visit when we’re in Phuket in November. Mr Zen’s creations are striking!
Suze – Luxury Columnist recently posted…25 Top London Sights That You’ll Want to Instagram
We have a holiday home In Phuket and have been visiting for over 10 years now, whilst visiting Phuket Town about 5 years ago we came across Wua Art Gallery and met Mr Zen, his wife and newborn baby (lovely family), we where so impressed by the simplicity of his art and over the last 5 years have purchaced some of his work, we introduced my bother and his wife to Zen about 3 years ago and he too now has the pleasure of Mr Zens paintings on various rooms in his Sussex home, we feel Phuket is a hidden gem, lovely beaches, fantastic local food and always that special find.
Ciao Nick, thank you so much for your comment, I really appreciate it. I’m so jealous that you’ve met Mr Zen, I truly think he is incredibly talented. When we visited Wua Art Gallery in Phuket we had the pleasure to chat with his wife, unfortunately Mr Zen wasn’t there. We are still travelling and don’t have an house to return to at the moment, but when we will stop somewhere we are keen of having some of Mr Zen art too, it really is something special as you said 🙂
Such refreshing sights from Phuket. It’s wonderful the way you guys travel in search of art and architecture. Sometimes it seems like there is nothing left in Thailand that has not been exploited by mass tourism, but travellers like you put a smile on my face.
Lovely blog you’ve got 🙂
paper boat sailor recently posted…Trapped in Paradise: an Island Story
Thank you so much for your comment and your words. We are so glad we found that art gallery in Phuket, at first we weren’t too impressed with the town but luckly managed to find something to like 🙂
I love this little art studio – what a great find. I like to collect art on my travels and currently have a rather contemporary piece from Peru up on wall, as well as a few from France and Bali. It’s a great way to remember your travels and to inspire more trips.
Taylor Hearts Travel recently posted…Travel Job Q&A with an Author: Tips and Advice
I couldn’t agree more Taylor. If we had an house to return to we would have bought some pieces from this amazing art gallery, that’s for sure, unfortunately we can’t right now. One day!
Wow, what a nice gallery! I’d never expect to find such a treasure on Phuket. We skipped that island and went to Koh Lanta instead because we were trying to avoid the party scene. But it might be worth making a trip for that fabulous art alone!
Heather recently posted…A Peaceful Afternoon at Arlington National Cemetery
We were so glad we found Wua Art Gallery and at the same time very sad we couldn’t buy any of the art there, one day when we’ll have our own place perhaps 🙂
Some very quirky pieces here!
Charlie recently posted…Living Well for Less in Costa Rica
Are they something you might consider having in your house one day Charlie?
Maybe if there was something more colourful… I think they’d look better in a coffee shop than a home.
Charlie recently posted…Living Well for Less in Costa Rica
Interesting, I’m pretty sure there is something more colorful and different that you might like it 🙂
Beautiful photography and interesting blog. Looking forward to visiting again.
Traveling Cats recently posted…Cat from St Petersburg {Russia}
Thanks a lot for stopping by 🙂
I’m constantly finding pieces of art or furniture that I want to send home, if only I had the budget for it, oh and a home to send it to! I’ll be sure to check out this gallery when I get to Phuket in a couple of months!
Nick Paton recently posted…Video: Rock Climbing in Manali
I know exactly that feeling Nick. We never buy anything at all but when we visited Wua Art Gallery we really would have liked to buy something if we had the budget and, as you pointed out, if we had a house at least. One day perhaps!
What a great find! I love this little art gallery. The art is so interesting, I would love to have any of it hanging on my wall!
We would love it too Lauren, it really is something special, Mr. Zen is truly talented!
Wow – this looks completely different from the Phuket I saw 8 years ago! It makes me want to go back!
Emily recently posted…Simple Ways to Enjoy Montevideo
We aren’t sure how the rest of Phuket looks like, we didn’t go to the beaches area on purpose, we stayed in the city and after finding this amazing local art gallery we were so pleased we did. 🙂
I’ve heard that many married couples go there for their honeymoon. It’s so affordable and beautiful so that’s one of the most occupied places in Thailand. Wow, you discovered a wonderful place! I didn’t make to Phuket, but if I ever do go there, I’ll not miss the stunning artwork of Mr. Zen :).
Agness recently posted…5 Tips For Getting $1 Thai Food In Bangkok
Thanks Agness, this amazing art gallery was the best thing we found in Phuket, the artworks are so incredibly unique, as you gathered from the post we loved it!
I haven’t been to Phuket, but from what I’ve heard I would have been surprised to see this there too! What a great great find!
Katie recently posted…Jakarta – a city of contrasts Part 1
We were pretty surprised and happy to have found this local Art Gallery, it made our trip to Phuket worth it!