Surrealism, Fashion, and Folklore: Inside JCCHR’s Artistic World

Art has a way of bringing different worlds together, and few artists do this as effortlessly as Jidapa Chansirisarthaporn, aka JCCHR. Hailing from Bangkok, JCCHR’s creative universe is full of surrealist fantasy, bold yet peaceful energy, and a character named Kikukitsune—a unique reflection of their personal and artistic journey. Inspired by the contrast between the buzzing streets of Bangkok and the calm traditions of Kyoto, JCCHR blends folklore, fashion, and digital techniques to craft something truly one-of-a-kind. In this chat, they share how their work has evolved, the meaning behind Kikukitsune, and how they see human creativity thriving in the digital age.

Lorem: Can you describe the evolution of Kikukitsune as a character and what personal meanings it holds for you today?

Kikukitsune is the main character in my realm of surrealist fantasy. What if I’m not a human? It is the way I express my spiritual personality-a calm yet hilarious creature with a gentle and bold nature.

Kiku” ( 菊) in Japanese is a species of chrysanthemum flower I found while living in Japan. I am captivated by its shape and found myself drawing it endlessly. I still remember the day my friend sent me a book with this flower on the cover, saying it reminded her of me. In that moment, I realized how deeply this flower had become a part of my identity.

It made me realize that I will never outgrow my love for drawing this flower. So, I decided to let it become a reflection of myself, but in a unique shape of my own design. It always sparks my imagination. What would it be like if this character could move? How would it run? Where would it go? What colors would define the atmosphere of its world? Creating this character has truly expanded my imagination.

L: What role does living in vibrant and culturally rich cities like Kyoto and Bangkok play in shaping the themes and techniques in your work?

I was born and raised in Bangkok, a city known for its vibrant energy and colorful atmosphere. Later, I moved to Kyoto to study Japanese for about 2 years. Kyoto is a city rich in tradition and known for its tranquil vibes.

Both cities have distinct and captivating atmospheres, and I deeply appreciate the cultural they each offer. Experiencing environments with such contrasting influences has significantly shaped my artistic vision. Through my time in these cities, I strive to capture and express their unique essence and energy in my work.

L: Your work often balances tranquility and vibrancy. How do you approach color and mood in your art?

Colors act as a reflection of my personality in my artwork. I am drawn to nature and calm atmosphere, yet I also love the bright colors, playful aesthetics, and a touch of quirky humor.

For me, art is a form of self-expression that transcends words, allowing for communication through visuals. Color plays a vital role in conveying emotions and meaning, acting as a connection between the artist and the audience.

L: How has your experience collaborating with fashion brands influenced your artistic style or perspective?

Designing for fashion is slightly different from other projects. It requires careful consideration of the volume and placement of artwork or patterns to ensure they align harmoniously with each garment cut and structure. Beyond aesthetics, achieving a balance between art and design is essential in fashion.

When collaborating with fashion brands, each collection is guided by a mood board that sets the direction for its storytelling. Every brand has its own unique style and identity, making each project an exciting and creative challenge.

L: If you could design an immersive exhibition around your work, what would it look and feel like?

Fun and vibrant but tranquility is always the core of the atmosphere in my work, seasoning with a bit of quirky and hilarious vibes along with my favorite songs that repeat over 100 times.

L: How do you navigate blending traditional and digital techniques, and do you have a preference for one over the other?

I started with traditional techniques, but I find that both traditional and digital methods have their own unique charm.

Each technique serves a different purpose and is best suited for specific concepts. Choosing the right approach for each project not only help in efficiency but also adds depth and creativity to the design process. In my opinion, combining various techniques makes the creative journey more fun and interesting.

L: Can you share a specific piece of artwork that challenged you the most to create, and what you learned from it?

One of the most challenging projects I worked on was designing a book cover for an original Japanese novel. What made this experience unique was the opportunity to receive direct feedback from the author throughout the design process.

The book focused on “Chado”( 茶道), the Japanese tea ceremony, which is deeply rooted in tradition and refined cultural practices. To create an accurate and respectful design, I had to immerse myself in the intricate details of this art form.

For example, elements such as the alignment of the tatami mat lines, the correct sitting posture, hand placement, and the positioning of the tea cloth folds all had to be carefully considered to authentically portray the ceremony.

Beyond the design itself, this project gave me a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture and its attention to detail. The experience not only refined my artistic approach but also reinforced the importance of cultural research in design.

L: In a world increasingly dominated by AI and digital tools, where do you see the role of human imagination and emotion in art?

I believe artists create their own worlds through imagination and boundless creativity, shaped by their unique identities and life experiences. These experiences serve as personal archives of memories and emotions that are stored within their hearts and perspectives, which they can refine and transform into endless artistic expressions.

AI art may bring diversity and progress to the art industry while expanding creative possibilities. However, I firmly believe that human creativity, emotion, and soul remain irreplaceable. There will always be those who value the authenticity and depth that only human artists can infuse into their work.

L: Do you find inspiration from Thai or Japanese folklore, and if so, how have these stories influenced your surrealist universe?

I have always been inspired by the uniqueness of cultural traditions and Buddhist art. I am particularly drawn to the atmosphere and surreal narratives behind them, including religious artifacts and sculptures, which embody a sense of magic and charm.

L: What advice would you give to emerging artists about maintaining authenticity while working with commercial clients?

I still have much to learn myself, but my advice is to enjoy the creative process and be bold in expressing your own perspective. Every artist has a unique way of bringing beauty into the world, and staying true to that identity is what makes their work special.

L: Any upcoming projects that we should be on the lookout for?

In 2025, I hope to focus on developing more personal projects, Experimenting with a variety of techniques to bring new creative ideas to life.

JCCHR’s work is a constant evolution—full of curiosity, culture, and a bit of playful energy. Whether they’re working on fashion collabs, dreaming up immersive exhibits, or experimenting with new techniques, their art is all about bringing people into a world that feels both peaceful and lively. With exciting projects lined up for 2025, it’s clear that JCCHR’s creative journey is only just getting started. Stay tuned—you won’t want to miss what’s next!