What happens when an artist trades his studio for the open road? Thai street artist, Alex Face (Patcharapon Tangruen) embarks on his most ambitious creative journey yet while cycling 1,300 kilometers from Bangkok to Penang, painting every stop along the way.
A 1,300-Kilometer Artistic Pilgrimage
Under the blistering sun against strong winds and through ever-changing landscapes, Alex Face captures fleeting moments of inspiration on portable canvases. His journey is not just physical but deeply introspective, reconnecting with nature, his classical art roots and the raw energy of street art that first inspired him two decades ago.
This one-of-a-kind journey culminates in “Faded Landscapes”, his first-ever solo exhibition in Malaysia, showcasing the artworks born from this extraordinary experience.
From Street Artist to Global Icon
Alex Face first gained recognition in Bangkok’s underground graffiti scene, painting an abandoned building with his now-iconic character: a three-eyed, bunny-eared child with an innocent yet knowing gaze.
This signature character was inspired by a deeply personal moment, the birth of his daughter in 2009. He recalled:
“The first time I saw her, she looked worried. “I wondered, are you not happy to be in this world?”
Alex Face, Thai street artist
This moment sparked a lifelong exploration of his childhood innocence in a fragile, unpredictable world.
Blending fine arts with street culture, his work has since appeared on urban landscapes across the globe, from New York to Tokyo, London to Paris, speaking to themes of spirituality, environmental change, and the modern human condition.
Alex Face Malaysian Debut
After cycling across Thailand and Malaysia, Alex Face’s journey culminates in “Faded Landscapes” exhibition, which is presented by Cultprint and Bangkok City Gallery. The exhibition will capture the essence of his journey, each piece a reflection of the landscapes, people, and emotions he encountered along the way.
Exhibition Date: 15th March – 18th May
Location: Cultprint, 35 Lebuh Melayu, George Town, Penang
Event Highlights
Private Viewing: 14th March (5PM – 8PM)
Print Release: 13th – 16th March
Opening Party: 15th March (10PM)
Artist Dialogue: 16th March (2PM)
Studio Tour: By appointment
As part of Penang Long Art Weekend, the event extends beyond the gallery, featuring murals, a painting restoration at Hin Bus Depot, and an exclusive display at the historic E&O Hotel.
Alex Face: An Artist in Motion
“Faded Landscapes” is more than just an exhibition, it’s an evolving project that began in 2024, with Alex’s first en plein air painting trips to Khao Lak and Chiang Mai. This latest journey from Bangkok to Penang marks another chapter in his mission to capture the world as it unfolds before him.
Follow the journey by visiting:
- Website: Cultprint.co
- Instagram: @Cultprint
Until then, in Alex Face’s own words:
“Keep painting, keep cycling, and keep happy.”
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