Although the Biennale itself will run from December 2025 to April 2026, Fufu has already made his public debut as a visual ambassador for the island’s growing role in the global contemporary art scene.
Designed by Asst Prof Dr Phanuwat Sengiam of the Department of Fine Arts at Phuket Rajabhat University, Fufu draws inspiration from the traditional Chinese concept of ‘Wu Fu’ (五福) – the five happinesses: longevity, wealth, health, virtue and peace.
The bat was chosen not only for its symbolic meaning in Chinese culture – where the word for bat, ‘bian fu’, sounds similar to ‘fu’ (good fortune) – but also as a link between Phuket’s multicultural heritage and its modern identity as a creative city.
The first Fufu sculpture, standing 1.5 metres tall, was painted by National Artist Dr Kamol Tasananchalee at the Khunying Kanchana Ranong Art Gallery, located within the Office of Arts and Culture at Phuket Rajabhat University. His use of vibrant colour and expressive brushwork helped set the tone for what Fufu represents: joy, optimism and artistic exchange.
According to Anchalee Vanich Thepbutra, President of the Phuket Art Association, Fufu is intended to be more than just a mascot – he is a symbol of the enduring power of art to support communities and create lasting impact. “Even though the Biennale will end, Fufu will remain with us as a reminder of what creativity can bring to a place like Phuket,” she said.
In the months ahead, various versions of Fufu will be painted by both Thai and international artists, each bringing their own style and interpretation to the mascot. These works will be installed at key locations around the island during the Biennale, allowing residents and visitors to engage with contemporary art in public spaces.
Thailand Biennale Phuket 2025, organised under the theme ‘Eternal Eternity’, will feature a range of exhibitions, installations and community-led art projects designed to highlight both local culture and global artistic practice.
The event is being coordinated by the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture, under the Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with curators, artists and cultural institutions.