Meet Lifestyle Asia Thailand’s 50 ICONS, where we gather influential people from Thailand’s younger generation and dive into their beliefs, thoughts, and toasts to their spectacular success in their respective careers. This story goes out to Mook-Porntip Attakanwong, founder and curator of ATT19 Gallery.
When thinking of a space that promises fresh art experiences and abundant opportunities, ATT19 readily comes to mind. Since its opening five years ago, founder Mook-Porntip Attakanwong has spearheaded the project, crafting a space that welcomes all. Drawing upon her family’s extensive expertise in the art realm and a lifelong passion for art since the age of five, this visionary individual ventured to establish her very own gallery. Starting at a time when the art scene was less understood, ATT19 has now blossomed into a nurturing space for the next generation. Mook expresses her commitment, saying, ‘I aim to bring my best to everything I do.’
Mook-Porntip Attakanwong on creating a space for learning and opportunities
Please give us a life update.
“So many things are happening! (smiles) Right now at ATT19, things have been running continuously. It’s been 5 years since I’ve been working with I Wanna Bangkok, a Thai Youth Collective brand. The last time we did the Youth Expo Exhibition was in 2019 and we are collaborating on another one later this year. It’s really exciting because we started our businesses around the same time. In our own ways, we have always been in support of the Youth so it’s always fun to work together for what we believe in. Apart from that, I’m also running my family’s hotel, COCOON BKK, focusing on creative direction with a strong emphasis on experiential management. My parents are also involved in overseeing this.”
“I’ve also opened a new company with my partner, Teerapoj Teeropas called -ade. Since we already curate art and design exhibitions at ATT19 together, we wanted to create something that will help our creative industry grow further through ‘experience activations’ for brands and companies. For me being a gallerist, a micro influencer, as well as a fashion design graduate – I see things from three different perspectives. I think exhibitions tend to capture people’s heart and make a lasting impression. Whether it’s art or design, they’re able to see not only the finished product, but also the thought process. We hope through this approach, we will inspire a new change across the industry in how we think as well as how we ask our consumers to ‘consume’ our vision, our products or our designs”
Why did you pursue a career in art?
“I grew up in a family that has always been involved in the arts, well, antiques to be exact. My parents have been in the industry since 1975. They have operated their gallery, Lek Gallery in Charoenkrung from the very beginning, before it was even claimed a “creative district.” My parents would always describe our business as something special – a blend of work and play. When they went on trips, it wasn’t just for leisurely travels, they were always sourcing, meeting artists, looking for local crafts. They made work a pleasure in their life and would always remind me that the privilege to do this, made us some of the luckiest people on earth. Seeing my parents’ creativity was one of the reasons why I wanted to study fashion. But to be honest, my calling is what I am doing at home, with my family. I feel really lucky that my parents and I can work together. We’re also really grateful to have ATT19.”
“During the first few years of working, I definitely experienced Imposter Syndrome because I didn’t study Fine Arts, nor did I study art curation. But suddenly, I have this gallery and I have to figure out a way to operate it in the way that aligns with my ethos as well as runs all the logistics sides such as marketing and sales. I became the gallery’s curator out of necessity because I wanted to showcase something that I can control and set the standards for myself. I’ve been going to museums since I was young and I tried to hone in on all the knowledge I accumulated over the years to my practice but to be frank, I really learnt by doing, exhibitions after exhibitions and am still learning today”
Tell us how ATT19 works.
“We see ourselves as a gallery which serves the secondary art market, meaning to provide art to everyday people that are not necessarily avid art collectors but are individuals who appreciate art and live with art. The first floor is a combination of curated lifestyle selections, all hand picked by my family. Moving up to the second floor is where we showcase emerging artists that we feel presents the essence of Thailand. And once a year, we always hold an antique exhibition to honor my parent’s heritage”
“A lot of people mistake us for a museum but I don’t see it that way. Essentially, we are a commercial gallery but at the same time, we also take our role in education seriously and try to provide new knowledge and support through our exhibitions.”
Do you think Thailand is ready for art?
“This is the type of mindset we need to stop. We need to stop boxing ourselves in and treating our country like it is not good enough or not ready enough for something. For me, as someone who has been extremely privileged and studied abroad my whole life, I have always advocated to people that it merely is just a different experience and it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better than staying here. I believe if we change this perspective, Thailand can develop much further.”
“It is also important to recognize that people from other countries seek the resources we have – the craftsmanship and the artisans. And when it comes to the consumption of art, it’s not about your status or your level of knowledge because art is a matter of living, of being. If we start to appreciate the things around us, we would know that Thailand has always been surrounded by art.”
When was ATT19 at its peak?
“Honestly, I’m actually not sure, I see our progress more as several small milestones.…When we first opened, it was during Design Week in 2019 and we sponsored our space to 15+ designers. Since no one knew about the restoration of the building, many people came out of curiosity as our gates reopened for the first time. At first although a lot of people came – no one really understood what we were as a space and at the time I was still navigating that myself too. It takes time to build a space from the ground up.”
“During the 2nd and 3rd year, we really started to have a community. Through exhibitions, programs and workshops, we were able to really connect with our audience in a way that is really special. Our community sees us, our intentions, and who we really are and that is our biggest accomplishment to date.”
How will ATT19 evolve in the next few years?
“I still see ATT19 as a small business. It’s just me, my parents, my partner and my sister [smiles]. Our scale is very small, however, from the outside perspective, it seems like we do a lot and like we have a big team. Through our work at ATT19, we hope to create and inspire as we believe that together we can create a meaningful impact, a ripple effect. And in 10 years, I hope we still have the strength to continue what we are doing now.”
“Besides that, I want to be a spokesperson for emerging talents and creatives in Thailand. We see ourselves as the platform and we are proud to see the artists that have shown with us flourished over the years. While we are working on many new projects, we want to develop a meaningful Cultural Exchange program at the gallery. We want to be able to bring interesting exhibitions from other cultures and artists to our audiences too.”
Lastly, please elaborate on the opportunities you want to give.
“Honestly, what I do is the bare minimum that I can give. I believe that If you are able to help someone else, you should – however big or small that opportunity may be.”
“When I was still a young graduate in New York, I was given a free venue for my fashion film launch. When we talked on the phone, the owner told me I reminded him of himself when he was my age. And even though he didn’t know who I was, this person believed in me. I will never forget that feeling. Therefore, I want to pass that on to someone. That incredible feeling of someone believing in you. So if I could be anyone in the world, I want to be the person that gives back. But it’s important to remember that, It’s not just anyone who will hand us an opportunity. We also have to have the drive within ourselves. I think that’s an important lesson to teach the younger generation – that you also must do the work, if you want to be given a chance.”
Tags
Written by
Drinking is best during the day, especially when at brunch. If she's not working, catch her at the gym or socializing with friends. An introvert extrovert at heart. She's a Capricorn.
