Q&A: MR.KREME TALKS ART, PHRA ARTHIT & FURRY VISIONS

Phra Arthit Road is buzzing with style, energy, and a whole lot of character—kind of like The StandardX. So, when artist MR.KREME (aka Varagun “Andy” Chongthanapipat) was asked to bring his vision to the Art Space, he brought his A game. Picture it: furry bellboy characters cruising on boats, buzzing bees with bags, and nods to the temples and the Chao Phraya River—all wrapped up in vibrant, playful colors. It’s a design that’s as much about our irreverent vibe as it is about the unique spirit of Old Town. We sat down with MR.KREME to see how is art connects the dots between tradition, travel and his cheeky point-of-view.

What aspects of Phra Arthit Road inspired the vibrant colors and overall design of your artwork for The StandardX?

As MR.KREME, also known as Varagun “Andy” Chongthanapipat, I infused my signature furry characters into the design for The StandardX, Bangkok Phra Arthit, aligning them with both the hotel’s identity and the vibrant essence of Phra Arthit Road. Dressed as bellboys, these characters symbolize the hotel’s welcoming spirit. Their depiction operating a boat reflects the nearby Chao Phraya River and the hotel’s proximity to the boat station, emphasizing the area’s connectivity. The light-yellow background draws inspiration from the hues of historic buildings in the Phra Arthit area, creating harmony with the local architecture. Additionally, the furry bee character carrying a bag represents tourism and travel, while the backdrop features elements reminiscent of local temples, highlighting the area’s cultural heritage. This integration of elements ties together the dynamic street life and the distinctive character of The StandardX hotel.

The doll hats featuring the letter “S” are a distinctive part of your design. How do they represent the identity of The StandardX, and what story are they meant to convey?

The “S” hat symbolizes The StandardX’s identity as a standout destination, while also connecting directly to my furry monster characters. These characters, acting as playful ambassadors of the hotel, embody its hospitality—greeting guests with warmth and charm. Dressed as bellboys and adorned with the “S,” they serve as living billboards for The StandardX, representing its welcoming spirit and unique approach to service. This connection highlights how the hotel blends creativity and hospitality to offer an unforgettable experience.

The cartoon characters you designed reflect hotel staff from the past. Could you share more about the creative process behind connecting these characters to the history of the hotel?

The character design focuses on giving each furry monster a unique role, tied to the hotel’s location and purpose. On the left, Corkin symbolizes travel as the boat driver, reflecting the hotel’s proximity to the Chao Phraya River and its connection to Bangkok’s iconic waterways. Mushkin and the bee character represent tourism, with the bag symbolizing foreign visitors arriving at The StandardX and exploring the vibrant area during their stay. The temple in the background ties the scene to the cultural richness of the Phra Arthit area, blending the characters’ tasks with local heritage. Each monster contributes to the story of hospitality, travel, and cultural immersion, creating a lively narrative around the hotel.

Your work aims to create a new landmark at The StandardX. How do you envision this artwork drawing visitors and engaging them with the space?

The StandardX’s blank canvas concept allows artists to transform the space into a unique landmark. I used spray painting and sketches to highlight the history and charm of Phra Arthit, reinterpreting the area through my contemporary furry characters. Inspired by American-style design, these characters offer a fresh, relatable perspective on local culture, making it accessible for tourists. This blend of modern storytelling and The StandardX’s vision creates a memorable connection to the area.

What challenges and opportunities did you encounter in designing a space that showcases Thai artists while blending with the cultural richness of Phra Arthit Road?

Integrating an art gallery into a hotel isn’t a new concept, but it works especially well with The StandardX because of its location. The gallery provides both locals and tourists an opportunity to engage with Thai culture in a unique way. It allows visitors to experience a blend of traditional and modern interpretations of Thai art before stepping outside into the city. This space serves as a lens through which tourists can better understand Thailand’s cultural landscape, offering a preview of the old and new before they explore the real-world version of the country.