Pachyderms on parade

Punkaphant by Andrew Miripolsky//Photo by Veena Thoopkrajae

Parade 3:

Parade 4: Explore 40 life-sized elephant sculptures awaiting you in the MunMun area.///Photo by Veena Thoopkrajae

Parade 5: Catrina Elefante by Narin Kantawong///Photo by Veena Thoopkrajae

Parade 6: Ayutthya Silver by Parichart Injaimai///Photo by Veena Thoopkrajae

Parade 7:The Third Eye by Kriangkria Kangkhanun///Photo by Veena Thoopkrajae

Parade 8: Ru-dee by INK///Photo by Veena Thoopkrajae

Parade 9: Drop by the shop, as the painted resin elephants are limited editions from each artist.///Photo by Veena Thoopkrajae

Parade 10: Discover miniature elephant art at the Elephant Parade Shop. ///Photo by Veena Thoopkrajae

Parade 11: Painting your own elephant at this corner.///Photo by Veena Thoopkrajae

Parade 12:Poster of the exhibition//Photo courtesy of MunMun

Prepare to be captivated by “The Art of Chang,” an exhibition showcasing 40 unique, life-sized elephant sculptures. Whether you appreciate fine art or champion wildlife conservation, this art event offers a powerful chance to reconnect with nature and Thailand’s beloved national animal.

On the theme “From Nature to the Extraordinary,” the exhibition is a collaboration between the new art space MunMun Srinakharin and social enterprise Elephant Parade.

Jeannette Woelinga, Managing Director for Asia and the Middle East of Elephant Parade, believes the elephant is a perfect “medium” that inspires artists to convey meaningful thoughts.

“Elephants are not merely wild animals, but symbols of coexistence with nature. They are often regarded as creatures with profound thoughts, wisdom, strength, and compassion, possessing feelings remarkably similar to humans,” states the message from the host at the exhibition.

In an artistic sense, elephants embody “abundant power” and serve as representations of the natural world, telling us: “Art doesn’t need to be loud if it speaks from the heart.”

The elephant’s skin becomes a canvas for artists to express their imagination. The art on each sculpture features diverse patterns and styles from artists around the globe, Thailand included, as well as such big names as Richard Branson, Paul Smith, Katy Perry, and many more.

Punkaphant by Andrew Miripolsky//Photo by Veena Thoopkrajae

The “canvas” then conveys the artists’ messages and further inspires people.

At “The Art of Chang,” visitors will be greeted by various life-sized elephants, each evoking different feelings. “Hugs”—a white elephant sculpture with drawings of humans and heart shapes—represents artist “Joe” and promotes love.

“If we don’t feel love, we can’t hug that thing. Hug love, love hug each other.”

Thai artist Narin Kantawong joins the creator of “Hugs” to express the meaning of love in “Catrina Elefante.”

This life-sized sitting posture serves as the canvas for dazzling sugar skulls and swirling floral motifs, symbolizing Mexico’s infamous Day of the Dead. The message conveyed is that love and memories transcend time.

The art on elephants, such as “Catrina Elefante,” also represents diverse cultures.

Another Thai artist, Panu Kritaramruang, creates “Happy Sun,” inspired by Chinese and Tibetan costumes. The bright yellow shines like the sun in the artist’s perspective.

The patterns on “Happy Sun” highlight the shared culture between Chinese and Tibetan traditions.

Meanwhile, “The Third Eye”—an elephant sculpture with a crown featuring a third eye—is based on the belief in Feng Shui and the perception of elephants in Asian belief systems.

The art on elephant statues also goes beyond painting. Artists are free to explore the “canvas.” “Punkaphant” by Andre Miropolsky is named after the artist’s impression of the punk music days of the ’80s.

Miropolsky applies caulking material pressed from a tube to create a repetitive pattern of 3-D candy kisses on the skin. Likewise, “Ayutthaya Silver” by Parichart Injai-ma reflects Lanna art and its Kingdom, expressed through precious silver materials.

The art on these pachyderms also touches upon social issues.

“Ru-dee,” which literally means heart or “Jai” in Thai, created by INK, is covered with colorful handprints. The artist wants to symbolize unity, harmony, and mutual respect.

“We painted our pachyderm white to represent peace. She also symbolizes the earth—covered in hundreds of colorful handprints—and a hand-in-hand spirit of unity and helping one another.”

Similarly, “Hello Kitty Sitting,” created by Studio Chiang Mai, uses the popular character and its pink tones to draw the attention of Hello Kitty fans worldwide to the plight of Asian elephants.

Hello Kitty Sitting by Studio Chiang Mai//Photo by Veena Thoopkrajae

Hopefully, Hello Kitty fans will also join the bandwagon to support elephant conservation.

More to Explore

Apart from the highlight zone showcasing elephant designs that tell inspiring stories of nature, society, culture, and lifestyle, the public can also learn the story of Elephant Parade.

In 2006, father and son Marc and Mike Spits visited Thailand and were inspired.

The very first Elephant Parade sculpture exhibition happened in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, in 2007. After that, it traveled around the globe. At the exhibition, curious visitors can view photos from past exhibitions in cities worldwide through small windows.

There’s also an interactive zone inviting visitors to hunt for “Elephant Letters” in The Treasure Hunt Game, with special prizes from Elephant Parade and a 10% discount on purchases from the Elephant Parade Shop.

If you’re looking for a precious and unique souvenir, drop by the shop, as the painted resin elephants are limited editions from each artist. It’s also nice to know that part of the proceeds will go back to the welfare of the elephants.

Learn about the journey of Elephant Parade at the exhibition //Photo by Veena Thoopkrajae

If you go:

“The Art of Chang” Exhibition runs until July 27, 2025, on the 1st floor of MunMun Srinakarin, located at Seacon Square Srinakarin.

Admission is free.