Singhaklai House and the Mod Chanaphai Foundation invite you to the opening of Elements of Nature, a new exhibition by Puttalak Dadsada, the Foundation’s Guest Artist for 2026.
The opening reception takes place on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Singhaklai House, Mod Chanaphai Foundation, Chiang Rai.
Puttalak Dadsada is an independent Thai artist and the founder of Dadsada Studio. She graduated in Visual Arts from the Faculty of Fine Arts at Chiang Rai Rajabhat University. During her time working at the university, she created botanical art at Somdet Phra Srinakarindra Park.
Because she spent long hours observing plants up close, she began to notice the small details most people miss. By studying insects, animals, and the natural cycle of growth and decay, she developed a surreal style that weaves plants, animals, and people into one shared story.
Her work is best known for surreal imagery grounded in nature, with a focus on plants, flowers, animals, and insects such as butterflies and bees. She often combines human figures with natural forms in calm, dreamlike scenes.
As a result, the paintings and sculptures suggest themes of balance, healing, coexistence, awareness, and life’s repeating cycles. She also brings in careful botanical observation from earlier experience painting botanical illustrations and working around a university botany lab, which adds structure and realism to her imagined worlds.
In this exhibition, visitors will see paintings and wood sculptures that reflect how she feels about the world around us. The works connect sunlight, air, water, soil, plants, animals, and humans, showing how each part depends on the others, even as the environment shifts.
Proceeds from artwork sales (after expenses) will support the Mod Chanaphai Foundation Biochar Project, which works to reduce agricultural burning and improve air quality in Chiang Rai.
Puttalak Dadsada (พุทธรักษ์ ดาษดา, also known as “Im”) is a Chiang Rai-based visual artist and painter. After her solo exhibition, The Inspiration at Artbridge Chiang Rai (2017) and her second solo show Alongside at 333 Anywhere (Warehouse 30), Bangkok (2021), she returns home with new work presented in the historic setting of Singhaklai House.
Background and Education
- Born March 12, 1986 (B.E. 2529) in Chiang Rai.
- Studied fine arts at the vocational level at Chiang Rai Vocational College (Fine Arts certificates, around 2002 to 2003).
- Earned a bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Chiang Rai Rajabhat University (honors, 2011).
- She’s described herself as someone who doesn’t always claim the label “professional artist,” and instead stays close to home, nature, and quiet observation.
Style and Themes
Her signature look is surrealist, with bright colors, floral motifs, butterflies, birds, seeds, and soft human nature combinations. Many pieces feel peaceful and reflective, with a gentle tone that viewers often describe as calming. In addition to painting, she also makes installations (for example, woodwork paired with iron butterflies), digital compositions, wall paintings (including work seen in Chiang Rai hotels), and occasional merchandise designs.
Notable Exhibitions
- Solo exhibitions include:
- The Inspiration (Artbridge Chiang Rai, 2017).
- The Inspiration (listed in some sources as 2018 at Khua Art, Chiang Rai).
- Alongside (เคียงข้างกัน), November 2021, 333Anywhere Gallery (Warehouse 30), Bangkok, featuring paintings and installations about nature supporting people through change.
- Elements of Nature, March 2026, Singhaklai House, Mod Chanaphai Foundation, Chiang Rai, focused on sun, air, earth, water, wind, and how these elements connect as conditions change.
- Group exhibitions and participations include events such as 99 Artists for the Fatherland (2016), Color Me Bear (2018), and other Chiang Rai art activities.
Where to See Her Work
- Instagram: @puttalak_dadsada
- Facebook “Puttalak Dadsada“
- She has shown with 333Gallery / 333Anywhere in Bangkok.
- Dadsada Studio is based in Chiang Rai.
About Singhaklai House and the Mod Chanaphai Foundation
Singhaklai House (บ้านสิงหไคล) is a historic building in Chiang Rai and the main site of the Mod Chanaphai Foundation (มูลนิธิมดชนะภัย).
Built in 1917 (พ.ศ. 2460) during the reign of King Rama VI, the house first served as a residence for American Presbyterian missionaries. Dr. William A. Briggs, a Canadian missionary doctor, designed it. The design reflects early 20th-century missionary architecture with colonial influence adapted for local weather and daily life. The building is now more than a century old and has been carefully restored.
Today, Singhaklai House supports several roles:
- A learning space focused on architecture and disaster management.
- A gallery and cultural venue for rotating exhibitions of contemporary Thai art, including invited artists and curated shows.
- A community space with SinghaKlai Café, with indoor and outdoor seating, plus occasional meeting areas.
Visitor Details
- Address: 628 Singhaklai Road, near Ko Loi Road, Mueang Chiang Rai District, city center.
- Hours: Commonly Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (gallery). The café may open earlier and close later (often around 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM). Closed Mondays, and hours may change, so check ahead.
- Admission: Free entry.
- Updates: Facebook @singhaklaihouse and Instagram @singhaklaihouse
- Phone (café/meetings): 080-883-8892
The house combines heritage, art, and a calm atmosphere, so it’s an easy stop if you want culture in the heart of Chiang Rai. The foundation also takes part in events such as the Thailand Biennale, connecting local community work with art and historic space.
