Locator: Ban Khon Sung, Thailand
Part-time farmer Tanyapong Kaikham has created three sleeping cats
using Rainbow rice, or rice cultivars that have leaves in a range of colors
(Tanyapong Jaikham, Farmer)
"The process begins with the artist designing a sketch. Secondly, we overlay this sketch onto the actual area and mark the locations using GPS coordinates that we've set. Thirdly, we plant Rainbow rice seedlings at each location to achieve the colors we've designated. During this phase, it's crucial to position the seedlings accurately and the rice plants will gradually change shades over time. Last comes the harvest stage, where the color of the rice straw will resemble the color of Cooper (the model cat.)"
Tanyapong says he was inspired by Japan's Tambo art, or rice paddy art
His creation is being showcased at a local art festival to promote tourism
"According to Predictive Project Analytics (PPA), we're expecting around tens of thousands (of visitors) to come and see the art in the rice fields. At the very least, cat lovers should come to see it. Art enthusiasts are also likely to visit, as well as academics. Plus, there will be younger generations eager to learn, because we're open to people who want to learn about both art and technology."
