art by DARIYA BUSHUEVA
bkk UNZINE art magazine aims to showcase the talents of artists and to bring creativity and community to audiences around the world.
GETTING CLOSE NOW
Happy August… It’s only two months until the 4th annual BKK Comics Art Festival, Thailand’s only art-forward celebration of the incredible visuals that power comics! Keep your eyes on bkkunzine.com as more details are announced. Don’t forget to come join us at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre for the comics exhibition, workshops and panels and meet a treasure trove of artists, both local and international.
Inner Child, this month’s theme, saw artists’ interpretations that include examinations of the lost child in our adult selves as well as happy-go-lucky flourishes of childlike wonder. It’s another incredible collection of work and we thank the artists who contributed to this issue.
As for UNZINE 95, a reminder that we’ve moved Wednesday Draw! to Monday nights, becoming “Monday Night Draw!” and for all lovers of graphic storytelling, our Comics Club meets every Sunday morning for fun activities and workshops. Don’t miss out and drop by our studio nestled in Soi Sukhumvit 95 to see what the buzz is about!
Check out our event schedule for more information.
Next month’s theme is….
Accepting submissions now through August 25th.
This year, we’re announcing all our monthly themes in advance so you’ll have more time to prepare your artwork! Please feel free to submit to any of our themes in advance!
featured artist
CRIMSON MEMORY
by DARIYA BUSHUEVA
graphite pencil & oil pastel on paper
This piece of work is made to explore the themes of fragility and resilience of one's inner child through the contrast of pencil work and the bold red oil pastel. Within the artwork, the red accents - the flower, ribbon, and the shoes - act as fragments of memory that are still vivid with warmth and love even after growing up and potentially "losing that one bright child" someone may have once been; this idea is emphasized by the contrast of red oil pastel and monochrome pencil, as well as lack of background (more negative space). The plush bear in the child's hand hints to a sense of comfort and security; however it clashes with the forward-facing perspective of the subject, inviting the viewer to think about and reconnect with their own lost sense of wonder and emotions from childhood.
Dasha is an aspiring artist based in Bangkok who began their artistic journey two years ago due to taking IGCSE art. Often inspired by Baroque artists like Peter Paul Rubens or abstract artists like Pablo Picasso, their work often explores classical techniques containing specific abstract elements either in their choice of colour palette or overall composition ideas. Specialising in portraiture, they work primarily in oil and graphite, often creating commissioned pieces that aim to capture emotion and precise detail.
Painter, Graphic Designer, Photographer, Mixed Media Artist
UNSEEN ENTITIES
by KARTHIKAY LALOTRA
Photoshop
“Unseen” looks at spirits, souls, and ghosts, things we know exist but can’t see. This poster tries to give them a presence through atmosphere, texture, and subtle typography instead of showing them literally. I explored historical spirit photography and modern horror posters for inspiration, then tested a few drafts with glowing type, fading letters, and smoky textures. The final design refines these ideas to suggest something unseen, balancing mystery and clarity. The result is a poster that feels immersive, thought-provoking, and visually intriguing.
Graphic Designer
Karthikay’s journey in design began when he was just 12. A simple interest in photo editing and experimenting with Photoshop soon grew into a deep passion for creativity and visual expression. Over the years, he has explored different aspects of design, constantly learning and refining his skills. What was once just a hobby has now become an integral part of who he is, shaping not only his creative outlook but also his career aspirations in the design world.
UNDER THE SABONG
by CHARTLAJAM
acrylic on paper
You may not see this on Thai media as often in 2025 that Buddhist monks are exposed for so many shady practices including spending millions of temple donation money on a girl. Yes, high level monks vs one lady. Saaaaa..tuuuuu.
Graphic Designer, Fashion Designer
Purely Bangkokian, Chartlajam moves everywhere throughout the year but is now back to Bangkok for good. She received a degree in fashion design but her main art skills are crafting jewelry and graphic design. For illustration, her comfort zone is the freehand pen sketching in her small sketch book.
UNSEEN COMICS
by SKETCHMAN BORIS
marker and colored pencil on paper
For this theme, “UNSEEN,” I wanted to submit a drawing representing something I’ve been feeling lately. A lot of my ideas are still unseen as I draw them but don’t take the time to format and publish them. So BoBo, my alter ego is questioning me why I keep doing this and pretend it’s normal
Comic Artist
Boris Aravindabalan, aka “Sketchman Boris,” is the founder of bkk UNZINE art magazine. Growing up in India, Boris discovered his love for drawing and, combined with hours and hours of cartoons and movies, he realized that not only did he just love reading and watching stories, but he also wanted to have the same impact on others as the creators whose work he enjoyed had on him.
SHOW YOUR WORK IN bkk UNZINE!
next month’s theme is….
Accepting submissions NOW through SEPTEMBER 25th
LAST CALL!
Join Thailand’s premier comics art event!
14 - 26 October 2025
@ the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre
ALL BOOTHS ARE SOLD OUT!
JOIN THE EXHIBIT… WALL SPACE IS RUNNING OUT!
RSVP Deadline: SEPTEMBER 12