A montage of things Petchaburi
Another version of the place, its food and a cat
There is an alley in Petchaburi market running parallel to the river that is a pleasant, less hectic place to wander. It goes through parts of the real market, notably the fresh fish section, and has a few other shops but mainly feels like you are walking passed people's back doors. It's still busy and well used but feels quieter and more intimate.
For me, the most interesting part is the array of street art on show along the walls. There is no lewdness, no self-promotion by individual artists, no sense of irreverence. It is a community art project with the aim of adding value to the alley. And it works. It is varied, thoughtful and fits the locality. If I had to criticise I would say there are too many cats but that's just me!
A whole wall of koi carp in a lotus pond
When I went I saw no information to explain how all the art got there so I asked a woman who emerged out of one of the alley houses. She explained how the people in the community come up with the ideas and then find locals with enough artistic talent to make it happen. And it is done in conjunction with the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture.
The overall themes seem to be animals (especially cats) and local history with Chinese culture quite prominent.
There are nods to other more famous artists like the cat portrait done in the style of Vincent van Gogh and a different take on one of Banksy's most famous pieces. There are probably others that went over my head!
Banksy girl getting a little help from the animals
Portrait of Vincent van Cat
Selection of the cat art on show
The local history is nicely depicted in a more formal style, which together with a few of the historical photos on show in the area highlight how much more important the river used to be for local life. More contemporary history comes in a piece with two happy women in a small boat floating in the water. Tied to a pipe next to it is the original photo of the two local woman in a boat actually in the alley when it was flooded a few years ago. The water has fish, a shark and a couple of cats in it! I was disappointed not to see these two women walking around with big smiles on their faces.
The happy local women now on permanent display
The Chinese influence
This "Riverside Market Alley" community has taken its identity and put it on show in an attractive, characterful way that deserves some recognition.
Play guitar with a bird on your shoulder and all's well with the world!
Morning noodles next to a less motorised Petchaburi era
And above it all a portrait of the revered and sadly missed King Rama IX
