On Purchasing Art in the Far East

by Justin Nedd

Justin Nedd is an art enthusiast, student of Muay Thai, Globe Trotter and contributing writer to laughingtraveller. In the following blog post Justin gives a brief and contrasting insight into the valuing of art and its production between east and west.

As I arrived in Chaing Mai, Thailand to embark on learning Muay Thai from the best, I could not help myself being impressed by the courtesy, discipline, dedication, and artistic disposition of the city’s people. Chaing Mai, located in Northern Thailand is renowned for the awesome night bazaars, diversity of tourist attractions, painful massages, silk factories, as well as gruelling Muay Thai sessions which start with a 3 mile run and is a stark contrast from the hustle of Bangkok.


For 5 days, training started promptly at 6am and the trainer had no regard for my previous night’s foray. He arrived to pick me up in his tuk-tuk at 5:30 every day. Though the sessions were grueling, I took delight in hitting the 5’6”, 45 year old frame of my trainer who showed the scars of battles past. The payback was unpleasant but I drew solace from the fact that the session would be done in a few hours and I was free to roam.


The night market on Sundays (12pm to midnight) is an absolute must for anyone visiting Chaing Mai (or S.E Asia). Like any bazaar, the range of products sold is vast; therefore, one should not waste time with the cheaper looking stuff. Compared to North America, everything is relatively cheap especially if one is prepared to plead one’s case or “barter” as my North American travel buddies ineptly stated, despite my numerous attempts to enlighten them. One of the main things sold at the bazzar in which I took interest were paintings.

Art is best expressed by simple people who have no fixation on material wealth. The Buddhist beliefs of Thailand, highlights the innate ability and the Sunday Bazaar is the best place to see the splendor.


The two paintings which we purchased from Bobby, a 5’11” dreadlocked Thai artist (Thais are usually short), highlight the vivid hope of life – a butterfly on a 4’ x 3’ canvas, and the joy of simplicity in a 5’ x 3’ black, blue and red depiction of the floating market.

Before I returned to North America, I wisely framed the pictures and the kind Thai woman put the oversized frames on the 16 hour Asian Air flight at no cost; the cost for the pictures, framing and transport to Los Angeles, LAX? $200 USD.

When I arrived at LAX, the dutiful customs offices were curious about what was nicely wrapped. Much to my delight, everything was intact and my flight onward to Winnipeg was with United Airlines (see United breaks guitars). My optimism was quickly dashed when the United agent informed me that my oversized luggage would cost $350 to check through – more than the cost of the items. Luckily, I was able to “barter” and later extend my gratitude to the agent for which I paid $100; yet I ended up with two broken picture frames. I was back in the capitalist state.

Armed with my experiences, I shall certainly return to Chiang Mai, Thailand.


Korp khun khop!