Nida

In an era marked by pervasive stress and dislocation, Thai illustrator-designer Nida, known compellingly as Chubbynida, has carved a distinct niche over her 12-year career. Her vibrant, emotionally resonant work transcends mere aesthetics; it functions as a public cartography of the inner self, a quality that resonates deeply with audiences navigating similar terrain. As she aptly observes, art becomes a shared language, a "familiar song" connecting creator and viewer.

Chubbynida’s artistic evolution is itself a testament to her core theme: the self as a work in perpetual progress. A significant pivot came during her Master’s studies in Illustration Art, a conscious departure from established styles. Yet, as she reflects, the transformation never ceases. Reviewing archives spanning seven years revealed constant shifts in line, technique, and narrative focus, mirroring her own ongoing growth and changing fascinations. "People change all the time," she notes, "like an endless journey," a truth vividly reflected in her oeuvre.

The recurring exploration of mental well-being in her work – evident in exhibitions like To the moon and (never) back, Handle house, and her latest solo show, Solitude – stems from a deeply personal place. As a self-described overthinker prone to stress, art became her primary outlet, a means to process life’s complexities, relationships, and her internal world. "It's partly about releasing certain feelings," she admits. This introspection culminates powerfully in Solitude, which she cites as her most personally resonant 2023 project. The exhibition, delving into self-discovery and reclaiming fragmented parts lost during growth, became a profoundly reflective process: "Each piece worked with me, the narrative worked deeply within... it feels like a complete reflection of myself in this moment."

For Chubbynida, art's profound influence lies in its ubiquity and its power as a communicative medium – extending far beyond canvas to encompass song, poetry, place, and food. A particular joy is witnessing the dialogue between creator and audience. Encounters with viewers at exhibitions constantly surprise her, revealing interpretations she hadn't envisioned, reinforcing her belief that this exchange is itself an art form.

While future explorations may involve delving into "a wider array of techniques and materials," her core expectation remains inward-focused: better self-care and deeper self-understanding. To her audience and aspiring artists, she offers grounded encouragement: gratitude for sustaining support during inevitable doubts, and the vital reassurance that continuous experimentation and self-awareness will, in time, lead each traveller – herself included – to their rightful place. Chubbynida’s work stands as both a personal record and a communal beacon, illuminating the shared, unending journey within.