Studio 88 Artist Residency welcomes Koi Sakunee, Thai artist, illustrator and writer a creative, who will enchant us with storytelling art project that invites people of all ages to engage with art in a fun, accessible way.
Sakunee Nattapoolwat, better known as Koi Sakunee, whose artistic journey has taken her from agriculture and environmental studies at Chiang Mai University to pottery in India and illustration in Italy. Koi has exhibited her work in China, Malaysia, and Thailand, constantly seeking new ways to express herself through art. Now, at Studio 88, she embarks on a long-awaited personal project while also drawing inspiration from her past residency experience in China.
Koi has long been fascinated by zines—self-published, experimental booklets that have a deep-rooted history in independent art and literature. During her residency, she will finally have the time to create an art zine, a project she has been yearning to do for years. Her zine will integrate collage, drawings, and printmaking in a storytelling format with minimal or no text, making it accessible to children and elderly audiences alike. The goal is to offer a visually engaging medium that encourages creative expression beyond language barriers.
Her second project, titled “Working,” is inspired by her time at the Studio 88 x NY20+ residency in Chengdu, China. In Chengdu, Koi observed the dedication and creative processes of artists, which sparked her interest in documenting the working lives of artists in Chiang Mai. Through interviews, photography, and her own illustrations, she will craft intimate stories capturing the inspirations, struggles, and unique artistic paths of selected local artists. Rather than comprehensive biographies, these stories will highlight defining moments and personal insights, offering a deeper look into the vibrant creative scene of northern Thailand.
With her deep passion for storytelling—both visual and written—Koi’s residency at Studio 88 promises to be a rich exploration of artistic voices and creative expression. Stay tuned as she brings these stories to life through her art and words.
Studio 88 is accepting applications on an on-going basis. Check out our residency program and apply now.
Studio 88 Artist Residency 