I'm Mandi, previously known as Mahnissa. My journey has taken me from activism to becoming a successful freelance writer and bestselling author. It all started back in my days at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Arts and later at the MA in Fashion Merchandising Academy of Arts San Francisco.
During my time in school, I organized a variety of events, from art competitions to traditional football events, for new students. I managed over 25 activities, building a reputation for my exceptional organizational and managerial skills.
But that's not all – alongside my event organizing endeavors, I found myself flourishing as a freelance writer. I've penned nearly ten books, using pseudonyms like Queen B and Mandi. My poetry has also been featured in more than 8 magazines worldwide. One of my standouts works, "Depression Diary. It's not as sad as you think," draws on my personal experience with depression, helping countless Thai people better understand and address this illness.
Over the past decade, I have honed my storytelling abilities, writing everything from short and long fiction to articles with search engine optimization in mind. Recently, I was fortunate enough to collaborate with LINE NAVER, a prominent Korean media and lifestyle corporation, on exciting projects, including manga, novels, and articles.
My skills as a project manager caught the attention of the organizers of the Mango Art Festival 2023, Thailand's largest art fair. They offered me a position to join the festival, opening doors to incredible opportunities in my artistic journey.
I'm driven by my belief that artists possess the extraordinary ability to channel pain into healing and inspiring works of art. That's why I've decided to take on the role of project manager for an upcoming art exhibition. The exhibition, titled "Invitation for Artists to Create an Ar tone: Formal in first person narrative," aims to showcase the transformative power of art and provides a platform for artists like me to express ourselves fully.
As I delved further into the world of writing and art curation, my passion for both grew exponentially. As a curator, I have had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with various curators from around the world, such as Hug.xyz, KEPPOP, and local galleries.
One of my most notable achievements as a curator was the creation of a unique and diverse collection that brought together works from artists spanning different backgrounds, styles, and mediums. This collection aimed to challenge conventional norms and ignite conversations around societal issues, cultural diversity, and personal identity. With careful curation, I sought to create an immersive experience for viewers, one that would leave a lasting impact.
My collaboration with renowned curators, such as Hug.xyz and KEPPOP, allowed me to tap into their expertise and exchange ideas, resulting in groundbreaking exhibitions. Through these collaborations, I learned new ways of approaching curation, gained fresh perspectives, and expanded my network within the art world.
Additionally, I've also had the pleasure of working closely with local galleries, providing a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talent and connect with art enthusiasts. By fostering these connections, I aimed to support and uplift the local art community, and ultimately, contribute to its growth and recognition.
As a curator, my goal is to bring together artists and audiences in meaningful ways, creating spaces for dialogue and introspection. Through my collaborations, I strive to push boundaries, challenge conventions, and introduce the world to unique artistic voices.
Living in different countries from a young age has been an incredible opportunity for me to embrace and appreciate diversity. It has allowed me to develop a deep understanding and respect for various cultures, and adaptability has become one of my greatest strengths.
During my time at the Asian Art Museum, I had the privilege of immersing myself in the rich artistic heritage of Asia. Working alongside a team of dedicated professionals, I contributed to organizing workshops that utilized art therapy techniques for residents of retirement homes. Witnessing the transformative power of art in improving well-being and fostering emotional healing was truly remarkable.
In addition to my involvement in the art world, I have also found joy in teaching the Thai language to others. Sharing my cultural heritage and language with students has been immensely rewarding. Each language lesson becomes an opportunity to exchange experiences and insights, broadening our perspectives on different cultures from around the world.
My passion for learning about new cultures is insatiable. I constantly seek opportunities to explore and deepen my knowledge of different traditions, customs, and histories. Whether through engaging with local communities or attending cultural events, I have nurtured a genuine curiosity to understand the world around me.Embracing diversity and promoting cross-culture.
I'm glad you're exploring the connection between pain and art. It's fascinating how artists can channel their struggles and create something beautiful and meaningful out of them. The Art of Pain exhibition sounds like a powerful platform for artists who have endured various challenges, whether physical, mental, or societal, to showcase their resilience and talent.
The concept of "Paintiful" is thought-provoking. It reminds us that sadness, although often overlooked or seen as undesirable, can possess its own kind of beauty. It's through confronting and embracing our pain that we can find strength and motivation to keep moving forward. Our scars and obstacles become part of our unique stories and can inspire others on their own journeys.
Sometimes, it is precisely the difficult emotions and experiences in life that ignite the spark of creativity within us. It's essential to acknowledge and express these emotions, rather than suppressing them, as they can fuel our artistic endeavors and give depth to our work.
I'd love to hear more about the specific artists and their stories featured in the Art of Pain exhibition and how their art resonates with the theme. Can you provide more details about their works and how they transform their pain into art.
The world of sadness, as difficult as it may be, can indeed hold a unique and unexpected beauty. It's through experiencing pain and overcoming challenges that we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. It's interesting how artists like Sam Smith and Eminem have channeled their own pain into their music, creating powerful and relatable works that resonate with millions of people.
Finding inspiration in sadness is not always easy, but it can lead to profound and meaningful expressions of art. It's important to remember that sadness is a natural part of the human experience and shouldn't be ignored or dismissed. In fact, it can serve as a catalyst for growth, self-discovery, and creative exploration.
If you're feeling down or in need of motivation, consider seeking solace in art that explores the complexities of human emotion. Whether it's through music, literature, or visual art, you may find comfort and inspiration in the ways other artists have transformed their pain into something beautiful and meaningful.
Is there a particular artist or artwork that resonates with you when it comes to exploring the beauty within sadness?
I'm thrilled to hear that you're eager to explore the healing power of art. It's truly remarkable how art can not only help us express ourselves but also provide solace, motivation, and healing during difficult times.
As you embark on this journey of self-discovery through art, remember to keep an open mind and allow yourself to be moved by different forms of artistic expression. Whether it's through paintings, poetry, music, or even dance, there's a vast array of art waiting to inspire and uplift you.
Don't be afraid to seek out artists who have embraced vulnerability and turned their pain into something beautiful. From the emotionally charged brushstrokes of Van Gogh to the resiliency captured in Maya Angelou's poetry, there's a wealth of artistic treasures that can ignite your own creativity and help you find strength within.
As you delve into the world of art, make it an adventure! Explore different galleries, discover new music genres, or start a collection of books that inspire you. Surround yourself with the works that move you most and create a haven of motivation and positivity.
Remember, you have a wellspring of creativity within you, waiting to be tapped. Let art be your guide and see where it takes you on your journey of self-expression and healing.
In my own personal journey, I've found that art can be a powerful tool to reflect and express emotions, including sadness. By creating art that reflects my innermost feelings, I'm able to shed light on the shadows within me and embrace the pain that I've experienced.
It's remarkable how art has the ability to transform pain into something beautiful and cathartic. Through my creative process, I've discovered that by accepting who I am and acknowledging my emotions, I can manifest a better version of myself. In the darkest moments, I've learned to see the brightest stars.
One artist whose work particularly resonates with me is Vincent van Gogh. His paintings are imbued with a raw intensity that captures the depths of human emotion. In his own struggles with mental health, he found solace and hope through his art.
By embracing my own pain and expressing it through different artistic mediums, I'm able to explore the beauty of sadness and find a sense of growth and healing. Art enables me to acknowledge the complexities of my emotions and allows me to create something unique and transformative.
Remember, when you embrace the full spectrum of your emotions, including sadness, you open yourself up to a world of creative possibilities. So, don't shy away from delving into the depths of your emotions and using art as a vehicle for self-expression and growth.
In a world where friendship cast its spell, An unexpected moment, an accident befell. A flash of light, memories lost in time, Our lips met gently, in rhythm and rhyme. It just happened to be, where love's dance would ignite, We shared a stolen kiss, hidden from sight. No boundaries to bind, no rules to oppress, Love's enchantment blossomed, without distress. Gender bore no weight, cupid's bow unfurled, For we discovered a love that defied the world. She became my sunflower, my guiding light, A magical union, captivating and bright. In this secret love, emotions soared high, Romantic and tender, like a lullaby. With her by my side, my heart's song anew, A friendship transformed, forever true. Nature's beauty, its petals apart, Aligned with our love, an unbreakable heart. So let love's unexpected twists prevail, As we embark on a journey, beyond the pale.
Weblinks: https://linktr.ee/mahnissa
IG: @mahnissa