The latest instalment of Chim Chim's "In Residence" art programme transports you back to the colourful 80s and 90s.
Conceived in collaboration with Thai illustrator Pomme Chan and Happy People Studio, the "Arcade Of Dreams" is an interactive and immersive art experience that lets your imagination run wild, if it doesn't already. The exhibition, which follows "In Residence No. 1" with the French duo Munchausen, marks a new chapter in Chim Chim's art journey. The restaurant, gallery and all-day hangout at Siam@Siam Design Hotel Bangkok on Rama I Road is where comfort food meet vibrant art and design.
"When I first saw Chim Chim, I was like, 'Wow, are we in New York?'. I like the horizontal layout and the great lighting here. I also like Chim Chim's character which is bright, cheerful and bold with a clash of colours and patterns. It's such fun branding," said Pomme Chan. Using Chim Chim's clean interior as an unorthodox canvas, the artist and her creative team from Happy People Studio have reimagined the venue as a nostalgic playground. "Chim Chim gives us the freedom to do anything we want, so our creative juices can flow with no limitation," said Pomme Chan.
"Arcade Of Dreams" invites you to unlock your childhood memories with blasts from the past -- retro gaming consoles, roller-skates, cassette tapes (you're allowed to Google this, we won't judge), abstract Magic Eye-like patterns and more sweet treats than you can dream of. "I want to turn back time to when I was a kid with nothing to worry about, just running around following a Thai dessert cart or using a toy to blow super-elastic plastic bubbles. I believe I'm not the only one feeling nostalgic about these simpler times with less chaos and technology when we would watch the sunset without having to take a selfie," said the artist.
Guests can explore a variety of installations strewn throughout Chim Chim, from vibrant, candy-coloured canvas works hanging from the walls on the ground floor to unique interactive games on the mezzanine. There's even old-school jigsaw puzzles to a sticker bomb wall to custom furniture and cushions with unique patterns. Step up the Happy People Stairs to the "Arcade Of Dreams" on the mezzanine floor, where you can stop to take a selfie at the Game Boy Mirror and Happy Cube Puzzle, sharing these on IG using Chim Chim's "Arcade of Dreams" filter. There's also Happy Hopscotch, a colourful twist on the classic playground game and customised merch for sale.
Indulge your mouth in the "Arcade Of Dreams" desserts, with Kanom chan millefeuille, Thai tea, black coffee gelee croissant or the Mango, coconut rice and caramel cruffin.
Keep your eyes peeled for monthly workshops with Pomme Chan, like acrylic painting, pattern-making, typography layer collage and silk-screening. Chim Chim's Saturday Vinyl Brunch gets in the retro mood with music from the 80s and 90s spun by some of Bangkok's top DJs curated by vinyl master DJ Nanziee. Call 094-972-4865 or Line: @chimchim bangkok.
