MRKREME

MRKREME
(Varagun Chongthanapipat)
b. 1993, Thailand-Hong Kong, currently resides
and works in Bangkok, Thailand
MRKREME (Andy Varagun Chongthanapipat), born in 1993,
is a Thai-Hong Kong artist acclaimed for his work in painting,
street art, and his iconic furry monster characters. From a young
age, Andy demonstrated a profound affinity for art, and despite
societal pressures toward conventional careers, he chose to study
industrial design at Pratt Institute in New York, where he fused
design principles with artistic expression.
Central to Andy’s paintings is the juxtaposition of his imaginative
world and personal experience. Through his vibrant pop-surrealist
style, he creates a fantastical universe of furry monsters that serve
as both metaphorical and literal representations of his inner world.
These monsters act as conduits for exploring complex themes of
personal growth, identity, and existential reflection. The contrast
between the whimsical, otherworldly nature of the creatures and
the introspective, often somber undercurrents of the narrative
reflects Andy’s dual engagement with both the fantastical and
the real. In this inside-out dialogue, he explores how personal
experiences shape perception, offering viewers an opportunity to
reflect on the dualities in their own lives—between innocence and
complexity, joy and struggle.
Andy’s work has garnered widespread attention, with collaborations
alongside global brands such as Birkenstock, Samsung, and
The Standard X. These partnerships have allowed him to merge
fine art with commercial ventures, further establishing his voice in
contemporary culture. His paintings have been exhibited globally,
including in the United States, France, Singapore, and beyond.
Notably, his debut solo exhibition, Timeless Muse, marked a
defining moment in his artistic trajectory. Today, Andy continues
to challenge the boundaries of contemporary art, using his furry
monsters as both a personal mirror and a universal means of
exploring the intricate interplay between emotion, identity, and the
larger human experience.