COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT I NOVEMBER, 2016 I WILDFLOWERS INSTITUTE I TENDERLOIN
Hidden Artistic Gems in the Tenderloin Award

What Layer, 2015 - Collage
Originally from Thailand, Eakapong Tan Sirinumas is a full-time, community-based artist who primarily works with clay, acrylics, pastels and found materials to create images focused on local San Francisco architecture. Themes of personal struggle, urban decay, spiritual renewal and the struggles of finding home in a complicated urban environment resonate throughout Tan’s works.
His pieces are a meeting of raw artistic material and laser engraving technology, brought together to create multi-layered, three-dimensional paintings that pay homage to the history of San Francisco’s diverse neighborhoods and communities.
Tan creates 3-D collages and sculptures which work to articulate the meeting of nature and design. His works are meant to highlight the elements in his urban environment that give him a sense of fulfillment and a feeling of being at home. Working closely in alliance with several community organizations, Tan credits the Hospitality House with providing him a place where he can find learning and a peace of mind.
He says it is through places like the Hospitality House that he has had the opportunity to develop his skills and explore himself through his artwork. Tan sees the Tenderloin as a place where there are many layers of history and diversity - and where, even though change is inevitable, there is always a place that remains where he can call home.

Tan Sirinumas is working on paper collage at his studio apartment in the Tenderloin, San Francisco
Photo: Wildflowers Institute, 2017

What Layer - Hidden Gems in the TL Award Ceremony at Kelly Cullum, San Francisco
Visual Art Awardee, 2017
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