By Nimasu Namsaren
Stepping into MŌCANA feels like entering another dimension—one where art and nightlife exist in perfect harmony. Held at the iconic Corner House in Talad Noi, Bangkok's vibrant, artistic neighbourhood, the event spans three immersive floors, each transforming throughout the day. During the daytime, it’s a sophisticated, multi-sensory exploration of fine art, film, fashion, music, and more, showcasing the unique creativity of local artists. As the evening falls, the energy shifts. The space morphs into a bustling party, where the beats of international and local DJs sync seamlessly with the art installations, creating an electrifying atmosphere that draws you deeper into the experience.
MŌCANA isn’t just an event — it’s a living, breathing work of art that runs over nine days, with each day dedicated to a different artistic discipline, from mindfulness to fashion to food, each curated to offer something unique. The impressive lineup of artists and brands includes Cyrus James Khan, Gank Pansuay, Gong Kan, Her Name is Nala, Inbloom, Jakrin Von Bueren, Kor.Bor.Vor., Lordfai, Maewkhoo, Munchausen, Notep, Ray Sreshtaputra, Siam Circle, Surround Living, Teddy Maithai and Wishluda. At the helm of this unforgettable journey is Teddy Maithai, the visionary founder of MŌCANA. With the collaboration of 16 groundbreaking artists and brands, MŌCANA became a playground for the curious, the bold, and the creative. Its magnetic pull attracted both local talent and international visitors, creating a space where cultures and ideas come together to inspire and to connect. In this conversation, we sit down with Teddy Maithai to learn more about the vision behind MŌCANA, how he curated this one-of-a-kind experience, and the importance of fostering a space that where art and nightlife co-exist and thrive together.
In the world of creative exhibitions, few have made waves quite like Teddy Maithai, the visionary behind the artistic hub known as MŌCANA - A dynamic fusion of art, culture, design, and community, MŌCANA’s immersive exhibitions blend multiple disciplines to redefine what an art event can be. Teddy, whose roots span from Thailand to England, the U.S., and beyond, has crafted an experience that feels organic yet deeply curated. As MŌCANA's founder, his goal is clear: to create a space where connection, collaboration, curation and community thrive. In a candid conversation with Surround Living, Teddy shares the origins of MŌCANA, his journey to Bangkok, and what the future holds for his ambitious project.
Teddy, it's such a pleasure to meet you. To start, could you tell us a little more about MŌCANA and how it all began?
Teddy: Thank you, it’s great to be here. So, MŌCANA started in 2022 in New York City, and it's been such a journey. It all started as a project for my thesis. Initially, it was a collaboration with my partner, and we were both deeply inspired by the intersection of nightlife and art. After the thesis, we decided to keep going, and MŌCANA became a real brand.
It sounds like a dream project! Where does the name "MŌCANA" come from?
Teddy: So, funny story – the name actually came years before MŌCANA even existed. I was on a boat with my cousins in Samui, and we were talking about the future. I said I wanted to create something involving nightlife, art and creativity. When they asked what I’d call it, I just blurted out "MŌCANA.” Later, I found out that in Sanskrit, MŌCANA means liberation, salvation and breaking free. I fell in love with sound of it, which felt both strong and soothing. My partner, who’s from Jordan also mentioned that in Arabic it also means "our space." It just felt like it’s meant to be.
That’s such a beautiful and serendipitous story. Could we talk a bit more about your decision to host the events at the corner house in Bangkok? What made you choose that particular space?
Teddy: Ah, yes! So, I moved back to Thailand in 2024 and had been searching for a venue for about a year. I explored everything from warehouses to malls. But when I visited the corner house, it just clicked. Talad Not is such a vibrant neighbourhood that’s buzzing with creative energy, and the space itself – especially the rooftop on the fourth floor – was perfect. It was like the building was calling out for us.
So, you took over most of the building?
Teddy: Yes, exactly! We're renting the second and fourth floors, but the idea was to integrate the entire building into the MŌCANA experience. We collaborated with tenants like Sarnies and Such a small world, to create a true community. I love that people could come in and hang out in different parts of the building and still feel like they’re part of MŌCANA.
That’s such a wonderful approach! How do you choose the artists and vendors that get involved in the exhibition?
Teddy: It’s all about connections. Some artists I meet through friends, others through the nightlife scene. I use nightlife as a tool for connecting people – it’s a way to get to know them outside the typical gallery scene. It's been really important for me to create a space where art is not just to be viewed, but also interacted with.
Could you expand on why you chose Surround Living as a partner for the exhibition?
Teddy: Yes. I’m a product designer by training, so objects are very close to my heart. I personally find Surround Living’s pieces just stunning. Their selection of local designers & craftsmanship is truly unique, and the use of traditional Thai materials and modern design, along with vintage pieces really resonated with me. I'm excited to showcase them here, and I can’t wait for the official launch this month.
Explore the MŌCANA x Surround Living collection.
I have to ask, is there a particular piece you’d want to take home with you?
Teddy: Oh, absolutely. The Lunar Chair by Yothaka is a piece I’d love to have in my home. It’s this big, circular chair that feels like a centrepiece. It’s versatile enough for both outdoor and indoor spaces, and I think it would fit perfectly in my living room.
Sounds amazing. Now, you also mentioned a film piece you’ve been working on. What’s the story behind that?
Teddy: Oh, that’s my pride and joy! It’s a seven-and-a-half-hour interactive film I created the last four months before I left New York City. It’s all raw, shot with a handheld camera, capturing everything from 4th July celebrations to late-night events with friends. People can interact with it, changing the timeline and experiencing the city through my lens. I’ve never shown my own work at an exhibition before. But when I moved to Bangkok, I felt like I had to bring a piece of New York with me. This film encapsulates my time there – the culture, the people, the energy. I wanted visitors to feel like they were walking through the streets of New York.
That sounds so immersive. What inspired you to take a leap and bring your events to Bangkok?
Teddy: I’ve always had this five- to ten-year vision for MŌCANA, and I knew that to make it work, I needed a solid foundation. Coming back to Bangkok, I wanted to create an event that truly resonated with people—something they’d look at and think, 'Wow, this is exactly what Bangkok needs.' Thailand is home to a vibrant, creative community, and I believe there’s a real need for more diverse exhibitions that bring together artists from all disciplines. That’s why this exhibition, with 16 incredible artists is so important to me. It’s about showcasing work that people can connect with and truly experience together.
So, how did your experiences in New York shape this exhibition here in Bangkok?
Teddy: Each exhibition I did in New York was a learning experience. My first one was a 12-hour experiment, just to see how it felt. The second was in a massive Brooklyn warehouse with 800 people attending. It was a big community event where daytime art exhibitions turned into parties with lots of music and interactive projections at night. The third was a five-day event featuring a great variety of artists. I learned something new from each of them, and all of that informed how I structured this exhibition in Bangkok. It’s nine days, with a different theme every day – from film to fashion to food to music and so much more.
How did your education at Parsons influence your approach to event planning and design?
Teddy: I think any art student would agree—art schools are great for laying the groundwork. They give you a solid understanding and the foundations needed to become an artist. But it’s really up to you to take what you’ve learned and shape it into something uniquely your own. I never formally studied events or exhibitions, but my time at Parsons, where I studied product design, was truly definitive. It was a space filled with creative minds from all kinds of backgrounds. The long nights, the endless collaborations—it was all part of a real, shared struggle that forged meaningful connections with my peers. Growing up in Thailand, then moving to England from ages 9 to 18, and finally studying in the U.S. all played their part in shaping me. I’d say England shaped my core, but it was Parsons and New York City that really made me the person I am today.
It’s fascinating how every event you organise is an immersive journey. How do you see the future of exhibitions evolving?
Teddy: The future is all about experience. People don’t just want to see art – they want to live it, touch it, interact with it. It’s about bringing everything together in one space, where creativity flows seamlessly. I think that’s the direction exhibitions are heading – more immersive, more participatory. It feels like the world is oversaturated with content right now, and people are increasingly seeking experiences. It's no longer about purchasing a physical product to take home, it’s about moments that can’t be replicated. The demand for concerts, pop-up events, and carefully curated gatherings has never been higher. Just like in New York City, where Brooklyn and Manhattan have become epicentres for unique, one-of-a-kind events, I believe Thailand will soon see a similar shift. People want to be part of something that’s fleeting, immersive, and thoughtfully designed, and they're willing to seek it out—whether it’s in a hidden venue or a surprise happening around the corner.
What do you hope the attendees will take away from this event in particular?
Teddy: I want people to come in and realise that art doesn’t have to be confined to traditional spaces like galleries or exhibitions. Art and creative work can be shown anywhere, in unexpected places, and in ways that break the mould. The creative community is vast, and there’s always room for new ways to exhibit and share ideas. I’ve heard from so many visitors that what we’re doing here is unlike anything they’ve seen before—it’s fresh, it’s exciting, and it’s pushing boundaries. What we’re trying to build is more than just an event; it’s about cultivating a creative energy in Bangkok,a buzz that’s been waiting to emerge. If people walk away from MŌCANA with an expanded view of what art can be and how it can be experienced, then that’s exactly what I want.
And what about your future plans? Will MŌCANA stay in Bangkok, or do you have global ambitions?
Teddy: I plan to be based in Thailand for the next three years. The goal is to build a strong foundation here, but after that, I want MŌCANA to go global. I envision MŌCANA in Europe, bringing Thai artists to the West and vice versa, creating a global community of creatives. It’s all about connecting people, no matter where they are in the world.
That’s a bold vision. We’ll be watching closely! Thanks so much for your time, Teddy. It’s been a pleasure to hear about MŌCANA and your incredible journey.
Teddy: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure sharing my story with you.
As MŌCANA continues to push the boundaries of what an art exhibition can be, Teddy’s vision remains clear: a world where creativity, collaboration, and community thrive in spaces that feel both intimate and expansive. Keep an eye on MŌCANA — this is only the beginning.
For more information on MŌCANA & upcoming exhibits visit: https://mocanaexhibits.com/
Explore the MŌCANA x Surround Living collection.
