Tangmo and Mahon's Reflections on their Ubah Rumah Residency

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Words and imagery by Tangmo and Nakrapas, who lived on the island through the Ubah Rumah artist-in-residence program from 1 September to 15 October 2025. Travel companions since 2021, their work is shaped by the people, places and stories they encounter along the way. Having spent much of the past year living and learning with hill tribe communities in northern Thailand, their shared practice is grounded in simple living, ecological awareness and quiet human connection. Through art, conversation and carefully held gatherings, they create space for reflection and listening, allowing moments to unfold naturally as a bridge between people, place and nature.

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Tangmo and Mahon on their foraging walks around Nikoi Island

During our residency on Nikoi, Cempedak and Bintan, we focused on working directly with natural materials found on the islands, making watercolours, oil paints and chalks from stones, clay, charcoal, seashells and coral. Exploring the islands was an important part of our process. We walked the shore during both high and low tides, noticing how exposed areas changed and revealed different stones and earth each time. The materials were not abundant, but each one felt special and unlike anything we usually find in northern or central Thailand.

Natural colours and paints produced from materials found around Nikoi Island

On Nikoi, most of the stones were found along the beach, with colours leaning towards warm oranges. We discovered charcoal that worked well for black pigment, and to explore more shades we experimented by mixing stone powders with ground seashells and dead coral. Before using them, we soaked and washed the shells and coral four to five times to remove the limestone, which allowed the powder to mix and stick more smoothly. After drying, the powders gave a surprisingly bright white that we used to adjust tones from other materials. We also collected clay from the jungle to create additional colours.

Dyes created whilst on Cempedak Island

On Cempedak, we found a wider range of stone colours along the beach, mostly oranges and browns, with some reds and yellows. Locals explained these were bauxite stones washed down from the main island, Bintan. In Bintan, the variety of stones and clays was even greater, and we collected materials there to bring back to Nikoi for further experiments.

Exploring the more orange palette of Bintan Island

Through this process, we learned not only about the materials but about the islands themselves. Each place offered a distinct palette, mood and connection to the land. The excitement of discovering a new stone, the curiosity about how it might behave as a pigment and the desire to experiment grew with every walk and conversation. Working together deepened our understanding of nature, geology and the possibilities of transforming natural elements into art.

Four of Tangmo and Mahon's final pieces

For our final works, we decided to create paintings directly on stones and wood around Nikoi, across five locations. Because of the rough and humid surfaces, we made our own natural gesso using the materials and tools available on the island. We researched traditional natural binders, drawing inspiration from old tempera and fresco techniques, to create a base layer that allowed the paint to sit gently on the surface.

Workshops with guests and staff

Running workshops became an important part of the residency. Guests were often surprised by how simple pigments could produce expressive results. Watching people move from hesitation to pride and joy reminded us that creativity reconnects us with nature and with ourselves. Some guests returned multiple times, helping crush stones or bringing natural materials to add to the exhibition. These shared moments formed a web of connection between guests, the Nikoi team and the environment.

Working with natural pigments has transformed how we approach art. Each pigment has its own character, and no two mixes are ever the same. Learning to embrace this uncertainty allowed us to let go of expectations and enjoy experimentation for its own sake. Beyond artistic growth, the residency deepened our understanding of sustainability, collaboration and living in balance with the environment. The islands, the people and the everyday moments shared here expanded our perspective on how art, culture and nature can exist together