Somrak Maneemai

Somrak Maneemai, 1974, currently lives and works in Phuket, Thailand

Somrak Maneemai grew up in a small village in Krabi, South of Thailand, in a family of rubber farmers. He left home at 16 to study art in Nakon Si Thamarat and later at Silpakorn University in Bangkok, where he obtained a Bachelor’s and Master of Fine Art (Painting) in 1999 and 2004.

After the death of his mother, Maneemai found himself revisiting childhood memories and began experimenting with notions of cloud gazing. Gradually, a new style emerged which he continues to develop and evolve. He has abandoned his earlier realist style for a freer form. 

He co-founded the Phuket Art Village in 2010. Shortly after, he relocated to Australia with his family, where he continued to exhibit his works and was represented by the Salamanca Gallery. He moved back to Thailand in 2017 and returned to his studio at the Phuket Art Village where he is now based. Maneemai has exhibited his works in galleries and museums in Thailand and Australia. His work is part of public and private collections.