Our Common Compassion Initiative
Meet the Artist: JAYOTO
You might’ve noticed all the colorful murals popping-up around Bangkok recently. This creative effort to improve our cityscape while also highlighting local artists is a meaningful project that we were keen to join. After all, art makes people happy.
As part of our Common Compassion initiative, each month we donate the money collected from our drinking water stations at theCOMMONS Thonglor (Village, Fl. 1 & Play Yard Fl. 3) and theCOMMONS Saladaneg (Common Ground) to help people in need. This month, we used the funds to contribute to Bangkok’s street art scene by creating a large-scale mural in the Wattana District’s riverside neighborhood. Not only did it transform an empty wall into a vibrant work of art, but it helped express the neighborhood’s identity while uniting people.
Read on to meet the artist, JAYOTO, whom we commissioned to create this mural. You’ll also hear his thoughts on how street art plays an important part in urban life by giving people hope and connection. Public murals also share unique messages and make art accessible to everyone. Art is a universal language! We appreciated the chance to create positive changes within local communities through art. Thank you for making this possible by supporting our Common Compassion initiative and donating to our drinking water stations.
Meet the Artist : Behind the Wattana Wall Mural: JAYOTO
🎨 What is your artistic background?
I’ve always loved art! Ever since I was a child, I knew that I wanted to become a painter. About four years ago, I learned the techniques behind spray painting. I fell in love with it. Now, I focus upon murals and street art.
🎨 In addition to the Wattana wall, where else can people see your artwork?
You can see my work in Bangkok and in different cities throughout Thailand. In Bangkok, my favorite piece is located at the Thai Squid Brand building next to River City. This massive mural covers four storeys on the side of a building. You can easily access this piece because it is located outside.
🎨 What inspired you to create the Wattana wall mural?
When theCOMMONS’ asked me to create a mural in the Wattana District, I used riverside life, local families, and nature as inspiration because it shares the area’s identity. You can see these elements within the mural. It is rewarding to create art that is appreciated by the neighborhood and anyone traveling by boat past the wall. Art helps this space feel more like a community.
🎨 How would you describe the experience of painting the Wattana Mural?
It took me one month to paint the Wattana wall mural. It is 47-meters long and 3-meters tall. During this time, I met so many people from the community. They would walk by and ask if I needed anything. They were very supportive of my work and the project. I loved connecting with them and seeing how art brings us together. Even before I finished the mural, lots of people visited to take photos and watch it emerge. This really made my heart grow big!
🎨 How do you think murals like the Wattana wall help communities?
Street art creates a positive impact because it is accessible to everyone. It offers a different experience than art that is displayed in a gallery where you’d pay an entrance fee to view. With street art, anyone can walk past and interact with it. You can look at it closely and even touch it. I love creating murals because it invites people to explore art in everyday life. Street art is for everyone.
🎨 Where can people learn more about your work?
You can see my work and learn more at my Instagram pages jayotolab and jayoto
