German Artist Uses 3.5 Foot Beard As Paintbrush In Thailand Studio
Marco Figgen poses with his 1.10-metre-long (3.5-foot-long) beard, which he uses to paint, at his studio in Pattaya City, in Thailand's Chonburi province, nearly 110 km (69 miles) east of Bangkok, February 3, 2006.The 51-year-old German citizen first came to Thailand nine years ago. Before that he was a , a concert promoter in Essen, Germany.
Figgen describes his unique paint brush as an extension of his soul, and has been growing the beard for 13 years. He makes between 1,000 to 20,000 baht (US $25-500) (euro 21-420) for a beard painting depending on size. REUTERS/Sukree Sukplang
“Beard paintings” make bit hit
Artist Marco Figgen is well known to the German-speaking residents of Pattaya. His meter-long beard draws a lot curiosity, but his beard, apart from its length, is used for something special.
Marco Figgen with his paintings.
Marco is the only known beard painter, creating works of art with his beard on the beaches of Pattaya. His latest works are now on display at the JND Gallery in the Soi Day & Night in South Pattaya.
The gallery invited the press and the public for the opening of the exhibition in the presence of the owner of gallery Sakorn Treesakorn.
Numerous fans of his paintings and art lovers turned out for the show, and with Marco dipping his beard into a pallet filled with watercolor, he began to paint.
“Most ideas for my paintings develop while creating the art. I begin simply and let it flow,” said Marco.
The exhibition features historical places in Thailand painted in oils. Marco told reporters that he preferred not to use his unique brush while using oil-based paint.
“The turpentine damages the soft hairs, especially when painting for hours on end,” said Marco.
Marco was once an extremely successful concert manager in Germany until he decided to escape the stress and the hunt for success and to spend his time freely and creatively. He says he came by beard painting rather accidentally, but now is proud of it.
The paintings are on display the JND Art Gallery until April 30. Art lovers can purchase these unique works of art from around 8,000 baht per picture. Proceeds of 1,000 baht from each sale will be donated to the Pattaya Orphanage.
