TOR (Piya Boontarig)

Studio 88 is excited to present TOR (Piya Boontarig), an Architect, Creative Director, and Artist, from Thailand, as the featured artist for our Dream Catcher Soul Searching Project. TOR will be showcasing his LIFE Drawing series, a collection of works created over four years that capture the visual dialogue and interactions with people he has encountered throughout his journey. Learn more about his life journey and work experience here.

TOR (Piya Boontarig) began his career with a passion for architecture, earning his Bachelor of Architecture from Silpakorn University. He started as an architect at P.A. Design in 1984, but soon expanded his horizons, taking on various creative roles as a freelancer, including interior designer, columnist, graphic designer, art director for feature films, and TV program producer.

His journey led him to become an Art Director at Central Department Store and later at Grammy Entertainment. TOR then advanced to the role of Executive Vice President and Executive Creative Director at Young & Rubicam, where he spent nearly two decades shaping creative visions. He later served as Managing Director and Executive Creative Director at Matador Club from 2009 to 2022.

In 2022, TOR embraced his true passion and became a full-time artist. His artistic work has been showcased in solo exhibitions across Thailand, including Chiang Mai and Bangkok. He has also been actively involved in group exhibitions, workshops, and events like Chiang Mai Design Week.

“From a child who loved to draw, I set a goal to become an architect when I grew up. After graduating from the Faculty of Architecture at Silpakorn University, I achieved my goal and worked as an architect. But I didn’t want to stop there; I wanted to keep the excitement, fun, and challenges going. So, I set out to pursue my passion by resigning to become an Art Director in the film industry. I also worked as a TV show Creative and wrote columns for magazines. Eventually, I settled into a long-term career as a Creative in advertising, until I felt fulfilled and decided to return to what I loved as a child—drawing.”

“Throughout my journey, I’ve encountered many “humans.” I love observing their shapes, faces, gestures, emotions, personalities, and behaviors. No one is perfect, and no one is the same as anyone else. This diversity creates endless fascinating, fun, and engaging stories.”

Exhibitions and Activities:

Solo Exhibitions: LIFE Drawing in Chiang Mai, LITTLEMAN in Little Shelter (Chiang Mai), LIFE Drawing @ House of Upa-In (Bangkok), LITTLE MAN @ Dream Graff Gallery (Chiang Mai), POO-KHON @ The Wall Gallery (Khonkaen), MORE or LESS @ Ice-Cream Labs (Bangkok).

Group Exhibitions: TRIPLET ART GROUP @ HUGS SONGWAT (Bangkok), LOVE PEACE HARMONY ART FESTIVAL @ La Luna Gallery (Chiang Mai), TRIPLET ART GROUP @ BLACKWOOD CAFÉ & STUDIO (Bangkok). Workshops and Events: LIFE DRAWING WORKSHOP @ House of Upa-In (Bangkok), Chiang Mai Design Week @ De Siam (Chiang Mai).