One of the Thai creative industry’s greatest talents, designer Pharuephon Mukdasanit aka Mamafaka, died today.
Mamafaka was knocked unconscious while surfing at Phuket’s Kata Beach this weekend. After a 48-hour coma following the accident, his death at Bangkok Hospital Phuket was announced on his Facebook page. He was 35-years-old.
The news came as a shock to the online community and an avalanche of sorrowful comments have been posted on his page.
Mamafaka began his career as a graphic designer at well-known advertising agencies Ogilvy & Mather and Creative Juice where he won many awards. His work also appeared in a large array of local and international design magazines such as Wallpaper*, Territory and CG+.
In 2011 Mamafaka quit his job and started working independently so he could showcase his talent in unconventional platforms. One of his most popular illustrations was the eccentric-looking, flurry one-eyed cartoon character “MR.HELLYEAH!” The work was featured in products of many famous brands such as Converse, K-Swiss, Billabong, M150, Isuzu, Smirnoff, Yamaha, Tiger Beer and Vespa.
To get an idea of his style check out this 2011 Coconuts Bangkok photo essay on the FOR 2 exhibition at the Bangkok Art & Cultural Center, which features some of his wall paintings.
Below are some more examples of his excellent artwork that we at Coconuts adored and believed would transcend time.
RIP Mamafaka
Photos: Mamafaka
