Alex Wang

During my short visit to Phayao, my friends Sophirat and Ajarn Prawit introduced me to Alex Wang, an artist and art academic based in the area. He lives with his partner Louise and their child in a “moobaan” near Phayao University’s campus.

Originally from the United States, Alex first came to Thailand for an art project. A few years later, he returned for a residency in Doi Saket, where he met his future partner Louise and his future employer, Ajarn Pawin from Phayao University.

It’s fascinating to meet someone who, like me, navigates both the academic and art worlds, especially in a place with relatively few foreigners. Alex seems to enjoy a sense of freedom here, along with a quality of life that would be hard to afford in San Francisco. For our shoot, he chose a rice field near his home, a favourite hangout spot, as long as it’s not during the burning season, he added with a laugh.