Interview
Jimmy Aaja
Chatchua Chuachot, aka Jimmy Aaja, works and lives in Bangkok, Thailand. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in fine art and a Master’s degree in animation.
He works in computer graphics as a director and painter.
Jimmy’s work consists of oil paintings, digital art, sculptures, and toy art. His work is pop surrealism and fantasy, where he combines the concepts of fine art and animation.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I have loved drawing since I was a child. Since I don’t have many friends, my childhood activity was drawing. When I was 15, I had the opportunity to learn how to use oil paint. That was when I started painting seriously. It was then that I learned to paint in both classical and impressionist styles.
I chose to study fine art at university. After graduating, I taught art to children while also creating my own artwork. I was still searching for that art form that would make me happy forever. I created an alter ego named Jimmy Aaja. Through him, I created art using different styles than what I was used to.
Later, I had the opportunity to study in Australia. While there, I was able to paint for restaurants and cafes, and had the opportunity to show my paintings in many places. I returned home to Thailand to study for a Master’s degree in animation. I chose this program because I wanted to combine the concept of fine art with the idea of animation. Since then, I have continued to develop my art.”
What inspires you most?
“I create my art from stories, experiences, and impressions from both my childhood and present life, as well as movies, cartoons, and games.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“I want to convey reconciliation and coexistence through my art. I always paint all things together because I believe all things are equal and coexist in a place of reconciliation, as a result of loneliness or rejection from society.
In my art, each piece has a different content. But in each artwork, there is something that connects all the pieces together. I want people to look at my art and collect all the parts, put them together and interpret the art in their own way.”
“I bring my ideas together to create a virtual land filled with imaginary friends. The land I create is like another world to me; a place to rejuvenate the mind. It’s a place where I can be free.”
How would you describe your work?
“Fantasy, warm, whimsical, surreal, and feeling blue are the words I’d use to describe my work.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Mark Ryden, some movie directors, cartoons and games are all influential in my art.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process begins with inspiration from simple, everyday things which sometimes happen unintentionally. I transform the idea into various shapes by sketching the images I have collected on paper.
I then decide what medium to use to create the art. After getting an overview of the work, I complete the drawing on the computer. I attach great importance to sketching because if the sketch is satisfying, then I can complete my art in greater detail.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“Art stimulates and develops intelligence and creativity, as well as helping uplift the mind to be able to bring forth inspiration and imagination.
Art can be incorporated into everyday life. If there are works of art in the environment, people will absorb them unconsciously, stimulating their intelligence and mental state. This, in turn, can lead to creating a better environment, positively impacting the next generation.
The role of the artist as a messenger should be concerned with the environment, people, and with taking care of the little things. By doing this, maybe we can hope to see new things happen in the future.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I look forward to the upcoming Bangkok Illustration Fair (BKKIF), which will be held in September 2022. Many good artists will appear in this exhibition, and you can read about it here.”
