Artist’s debut depicts other worlds

THE latest exhibition at Accent Framing and Fine Art is housing half a decade’s worth of work from an emerging artist interested in exploring otherworldy places.

Inspired by childhood playfulness, Japanese stories and western children’s books like Peter Rabbit and The Magic Pudding, Nutchanart Detsurang’s The Little Lands show boasts more than 40 artworks of colourful, anthropomorphic creatures.

For Detsurang, who moved from Bangkok to Ballarat in 2022, the collection is about dredging up the innocence of youthful pastimes.

“They’re reminders of childhood activities and how I felt when I was young,” she said.

“They’re inspired by examples like when playing on swings or having story time with nanny or mum, or having a good time with family and friends.

“They’re little imaginary worlds created to bring us joy.”

Practicing her artwork while working as an architect in Thailand, Detsurang has been at work on the collection since 2018, with each piece started in ink and finished with watercolours.

Detsurang said she’s overwhelmed at having her first solo show on display following its launch over the weekend.

“So many came during the opening and it was fabulous and memorable for me,” she said. “It was amazing.”

While the odd echidna and platypus can be found in some of The Little Lands collection, Detsurang said she’s keen to explore more distinctly local animals and places for her next show.

“Most of the works were created when I lived in Thailand like cats, dogs,” she said.

“The next one will be absolutely about Ballarat, like all animals doing different activities in different locations around Ballarat.”

The Little Lands is on show until 27 September.