Thai Farmer’s Napping Cats Sowing Seeds of Creativity
In the rice fields of northern Thailand a farmer has created a mesmerizing artwork of a sleeping cat hugging a fish using vibrant rainbow seedlings. This unique blend of traditional Thai proverbs and modern agricultural innovation aims to attract tourists.
By Beth Snider · December 21, 2023
In the northern province of Chiang Rai, a whimsical and enchanting sight unfolds across the vast expanse of rice fields. From an aerial perspective, a sleeping feline lovingly hugs a fish and is brought to life by vibrant rainbow seedlings meticulously planted by Farmer Tanyapong Jaikham and his dedicated team. This captivating artwork serves as a visual spectacle and encapsulates a traditional Thai proverb celebrating abundance.
Tanyapong, a full-time factory worker and part-time farmer embarked on this creative endeavor in October, transforming ordinary rice paddies into a canvas for his agricultural experiment using rainbow rice. This unique variety of rice boasts leaves ranging from dark purple to yellow, creating a striking tapestry of colors. Collaborating with an artist, the farmer translated his vision into an initial sketch of a sleeping cat cuddling a fish. With the assistance of 200 helpers and a drone, the team executed the intricate planting process, guided by GPS and implemented by hand ensuring each section of the field displayed the correct rice color. As the rice plants grow they undergo a fascinating transformation, changing hues over time, resulting in a stunning depiction of three enormous kittens, an ode to the harmonious coexistence of nature. In the final stages of harvest, the rice straw yields a portrait of Cooper, who inspired this mesmerizing artwork.
Anticipating an influx of visitors eager to witness this agricultural masterpiece, viewing towers are under construction in the surrounding area. These structures will be an elevated vantage point to fully appreciate the intricacies of the cat-themed art. The inspiration for this endeavor stems from Japan’s Tambo art (or rice paddy art), known for intricate designs created using rice with different leaf colors. Tanyapong envisions tens of thousands of tourists and cat enthusiasts flocking to the rice fields, adding an exciting dimension to the local tourism landscape. He sees his project as a creative expression and a bridge between art and agriculture, hoping to combine innovation with traditional practices to showcase the potential of crops beyond mere consumption.
Thailand, the world’s second-largest rice exporter after India, aims to ship 8.5 million metric tons this year. Tanyapong’s initiative serves as a unique way to draw attention to the importance of agriculture while fostering Thailand’s tourism. The cat-themed rice field art provides an educational opportunity for younger generations interested in the intersection of art and technology to transform rice fields into living canvases that capture the imagination of all who behold them.