Alex Face's Guide to Art, Cycling, and Happiness

Alex Face, a prominent street artist known for his emotive murals, has carved a unique niche in the world of contemporary art. With a distinctive style that blends playful imagery with poignant themes, Alex Face’s work often reflects his personal journey and societal observations. Born out of the bustling streets of Bangkok, his art captures the essence of childhood innocence while grappling with the complexities of modern life. Following the birth of his daughter in 2009, Alex Face experienced a creative evolution, channeling his newfound role as a parent into his artistic expression.

Alex was introduced to street art in 2002 while studying at a Fine Art University. He recalls, “We found a street art magazine and skateboard magazine… hip hop culture was really popular in Bangkok back then.” This discovery ignited a love for graffiti, and along with two friends, he bought spray paint and started creating. “It felt like magic,” he said, reflecting on the thrill of quickly producing visible art. The allure of anonymity and the excitement of tagging his name, Alex, on walls became an addiction.

The allure of anonymity and the excitement of tagging his name, Alex, on walls became an addiction.

“My name became Alex Face after a while,” he explained, describing how he sought to add depth to his work. “I wanted to put my friends everywhere, to say hi to people.” This marked the beginning of his distinctive character, a blend of face and child imagery, which he developed over the years. Alex is drawn to the mysterious element that street art offers. The idea that people see art painting all around the city walls but don’t know the person behind the tag.

From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the art scenes around the world, Alex Face has carved out a unique niche as a prominent street artist. Originally from Chhat Sao, a small area on the east side of Bangkok, Alex has transformed his love for art into a global career that embodies both individual expression and cultural exchange. Alex Face reflects on his inspiration from impressionist painting to street art, highlighting a deep connection to both forms. He shared an interest in Monet, highlighting how impressionism once faced criticism for its unfinished look, much like the initial rejection of street art. 

Alex Face notes a parallel between the two movements, both innovating with new technologies—impressionists using paint tubes and street artists with spray cans to create his work outdoors. His piece featuring water lilies draws from personal experiences and political undertones in Thailand, where beauty often conceals deeper issues beneath the surface. “And they feel like lotus looks beautiful, but you don’t know what is under what is [kind of] underneath the surface of the pond looks beautiful, you know, like with the flower, but under the under the petals can be a lot of problems,” Alex Face states. His memories of growing up near canals and using boats for daily commutes further enrich his connection to water, making the water lily a poignant symbol in his art, representing both serenity and the complexity of hidden struggles.

The birth of Alex’s daughter in 2009 marked a pivotal point in his art. “My life changed, and my work kept changing after that,” he noted. This shift prompted him to explore themes of childhood and concern for the future in his pieces. “I started painting a child, worried about the world she would grow up in.” His artwork now highlights how fatherhood prompted a significant shift in his artistic focus. The artist found himself captivated by the innocence and curiosity of children, which mirrored the profound changes occurring in his own life. “As a parent, I felt a heightened sense of responsibility and a deeper concern for the world my daughter would inherit,” he explains. This duality—of inspiration and worry—infused his work, leading him to create pieces that portray children with a blend of wonder and the anxieties of an uncertain future. His art became a canvas for his love for her, reflecting both personal sentiments and societal challenges.

The birth of Alex’s daughter in 2009 marked a pivotal point in his art. “My life changed, and my work kept changing after that,” he noted. This shift prompted him to explore themes of childhood and concern for the future in his pieces.

The transition from graffiti artist to a full-time professional was not instantaneous; it was a gradual evolution influenced by the demands of parenthood. “Initially, I painted for the sheer joy of it, bonding with friends over our shared passion,” he shares. Yet the urgency of providing for his daughter shifted his perspective. His first gallery show in Bangkok in 2005 marked a pivotal moment in his career. “Street art was still in its infancy there, and I was part of a wave that sought to showcase our work in a formal setting,” he recalls. This blend of fine arts and street culture allowed him to experiment with various mediums, from wall murals to canvas paintings, broadening his repertoire.

However, the early years were filled with challenges. To support his family, he relied heavily on commissioned work, which allowed him to invest in essential supplies like spray paint. This pragmatic approach laid the groundwork for future success, as his dedication began to yield results. Over the next decade, he started selling his artwork and traveling for exhibitions, marking the evolution of his craft.

The transition from graffiti artist to a full-time professional was not instantaneous; it was a gradual evolution influenced by the demands of parenthood.

After 22 years of persistence and dedication, he reflects on the journey that shaped his identity as an artist. “Yeah, I started selling the artwork and then started traveling [you know]. I don’t know what happened. I mean, keep going every day, like 22 years. not just happened like one day like that, you know […] Gradual building,” he explains. Today, his work continues to grow and transform, paralleling the evolving relationship he shares with his daughter. Through his art, he addresses broader societal issues, creating a powerful dialogue between his experiences as a parent and his role as an artist. In this way, his art encapsulates the profound impact of love, responsibility, and the relentless pursuit of expression.

Alex’s career evolved beyond local exhibitions. He recalled his first international show in Korea in 2013, where he showcased his work in Gangwon Province. This opportunity opened doors for travel and collaboration across Europe and the U.S. “It felt special to leave something behind in a different culture,” he said, reflecting on the thrill of painting in cities far from home.

His first time in the U.S. came in 2019 during a month-long tour across major cities like Chicago and New York. “It’s amazing to meet people and build connections everywhere I go,” he said, reflecting on his cultural exchanges over the years.

Now an established artist, Alex faces the challenges of maintaining a balance between commercial success and self-satisfaction. “I want to do things that make me happy, not just work for money,” he stated, expressing the desire for a work-life balance that includes family time and creative freedom. His art, a fusion of childhood wonder and societal reflection, captures the complexities of modern life while conveying deep emotional narratives. As he navigates the challenges of balancing commercial success with his own integrity, Alex Face remains committed to his roots, drawing inspiration from his role as a father and the society we live in.

Now an established artist, Alex faces the challenges of maintaining a balance between commercial success and self-satisfaction. “I want to do things that make me happy, not just work for money,” he stated, expressing the desire for a work-life balance that includes family time and creative freedom

Looking ahead, his plans to cycle from Bangkok to Penang symbolize not just a physical expedition but also a continuous quest for self-discovery and connection. “Biking is special for me. It’s a way to connect with myself,” he shares, emphasizing the importance of maintaining his artistic spirit. Through his murals and expressive canvases, Alex Face invites us to explore a world filled with beauty, struggle, and hope. In this way, he not only creates art but fosters a dialogue that resonates across cultures, inspiring others to embrace their own journeys with passion and purpose, reminding us to “Keep painting, keep cycling, and keep happy.”

By Sage Green