Whispering Of Love
Nestled high up in the hills of Northern Thailand lies the charming town of Nan, a hidden gem that remains off the beaten path for Western tourists. A temple town surrounded by national parks, this place offers an authentic travel experience. For centuries Nan was a separate, autonomous kingdom and its rich cultural heritage is reflected in the temples, art and local traditions.
Nan is also an art lovers paradise. There is one particular artwork you will see everywhere. It is the signature drawcard to the town. Copies are printed by the thousands on totes, t-shirts, postcards, magnets and everything in between and sold at the impressive night market. The artwork is known as “Whispering Of Love” or “Poo Marn Yar Marn,” it is part of a wall mural at Wat Phumin. The scene depicts a man and a woman sitting close together, with the man whispering into the woman’s ear, the woman is shown blushing and looking down. Painted by local artist, Thit Buaphan in the late 1800s, is now represents the epitome of romantic love and courtship.
Poo Marn Yar Marn "Whispering Of Love" | Artist Thit Buaphan | Circa 19th century | Wat Phumin (Nan, Thailand).
Marigolds outside a temple | Photography by Unratio | Nan Thailand
It was the modern interpretations of Whispering Of Love on display at Nan Riverside Art Gallery and the artistic tree painted grounds of the gallery that truly captured my heart.
The Whispering At Andaman Sea | Artist Kittipong Panmueng | Oil Colour 80 x 100cm | 2017 | Nan Riverside Art Gallery, Nan, Thailand
Pu Farang (title translated from Thai) | Artist Win Prabripoo | Acrylic on canvas 125 x 155cm | 2007 | Nan Riverside Art Gallery (Nan, Thailand)
Nan Tae (title translated from Thai) | Artist Alongkorn Lauwatthana | Acrylic on canvas 145 x 200cm | Nan Riverside Art Gallery (Nan, Thailand)
The gallery, situated on the banks of the Nan River (about 10 kilometres out of town) is a contemporary space that offers the perfect balance of artistic hippie with modern trendy. The space consists of one large shed with a mezzanine level, creative landscaped gardens and a few smaller buildings. It was founded by a group of artists in 2010 and hosts work in a range of styles from paintings, sculpture and installations. The gallery is a testament to the vibrant and exciting art scene thriving in Northern Thailand.
Untitled | Artist Win Prabripoo | Acrylic on canvas 90 x 115cm | 2019 | Nan Riverside Art Gallery (Nan, Thailand)
Abstract Happiness Desperation (title translated from Thai) | Artist Alongkorn Lauwatthana | Acrylic on canvas 245 x 155cm | Nan Riverside Art Gallery (Nan, Thailand)
I loved the painted trees and details in the garden. The expanse of space to leisurely explore comes with bird songs and a babbling river below.
Some places just restore the soul.
Tribal marking on tree | Nan Riverside Art Gallery | Photography by Unratio | Nan province Thailand
Colourful patterns painted on tree | Nan Riverside Art Gallery | Photography by Unratio | Nan province Thailand
Love hearts and bird nest ferns | Nan Riverside Art Gallery | Photography by Unratio | Nan province Thailand
Feminine flowers painted on a door at Nan Riverside Art Gallery Cafe | Photography by Unratio | Nan province Thailand
Bright polka dots painted on trees along the river | Nan Riverside Art Gallery | Photography by Unratio | Nan province Thailand
Red painted tree branches, palm tree fruiting bodies with the rather rustic Nan Riverside Art Gallery Cafe in the background| Photography by Unratio | Nan province Thailand
Red and green floral mosaic artwork on brick wall | Nan Riverside Art Gallery | Photography by Unratio | Nan province Thailand
Sculptures on the deck | Nan Riverside Art Gallery | Photography by Unratio | Nan province Thailand
Three tiered traditional Lanna roof and red bougainvillea | Nan Riverside Art Gallery | Photography by Unratio | Nan province Thailand
Intricate floral pattern carved out of wood | Nan Riverside Art Gallery | Photography by Unratio | Nan province Thailand
Lastly, there is a very interesting small gift shop on the riverbank next to the cafe selling old relics, pottery, handcrafted jewellery, amazing antique sanskrit scrolls and framed antique artwork, plus a collection of traditional heirloom textiles. Definitely a few unusual treasures to be found in there for the observant curious tourist.
Until next time,
x Bella