Up And Close With: Chaiwat Lochotinant

Meet Chaiwat Lochotinant, Artistic Director of the Len Yai Performance Project and Curator of our upcoming residency Design Lab: Performing Arts.

Chaiwat is an interdisciplinary artist whose creative career spans the realms of performance and mixed media arts. With a degree in Theatre Arts and Philosophy from Chulalongkorn University and a Master’s in Knowledge and Innovation Management from Chiang Mai University, Chaiwat seamlessly merges academic rigor with artistic innovation.

Originally hailing from Bangkok, Chaiwat’s artistic journey led him to Chiang Mai nine years ago, where he immersed himself in the city’s vibrant arts community. His extensive career began at The Art and Cultural Institute for Development (MAYA), where he spearheaded theatre in education projects across Thailand’s provinces, fostering creativity and expression among diverse audiences.

Beyond traditional theatre, Chaiwat’s passion for Experimental Theatre has taken him across Asia and Europe, captivating audiences with his boundary-pushing performances. Currently serving as Artistic Director of the Len Yai performance art festival, Chaiwat continues to push artistic boundaries, collaborating with local and international artists to create immersive experiences that challenge convention and inspire introspection.

In his latest endeavor, Chaiwat collaborated with 40 artists to produce eight performance showcases for Chiang Mai Design Week 2023, exploring the theme of “Body Sculpture: Adorning a Fighter’s Spirit.” Through his ongoing dissertation, he delves into the intersection of art and resilience, exploring the transformative power of adornment as a reflection of inner strength.

As Chaiwat continues to carve his path in the interdisciplinary arts, his work serves as a beacon of creativity and resilience, uniting communities and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. With each project, he invites audiences to question, reflect, and engage with the world around them, leaving a significant mark on the cultural landscape of Thailand and beyond.