Biography

 

Hello, I’m Supansa Thongsuk (Nicky) — an art conservator, visual artist, and muralist based in Melbourne, Australia. My practice bridges the worlds of cultural heritage conservation and contemporary visual art, blending scientific knowledge with creative expression.

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With a Master’s degree in Cultural Materials Conservation from the University of Melbourne and a background in fine arts from Chiang Mai University, I specialize in the care, preservation, and treatment of paintings. My conservation work has taken me into diverse environments — from private collections, such as the studio of renowned Thai artist Natee Utarit in Bangkok, to community-focused projects at Warmun Art Centre in Western Australia, preserving important Aboriginal artworks. I’ve also contributed to research projects examining traditional Thai painting materials and the analysis of varnishes using advanced scientific techniques like ATR-FTIR and UV-Vis spectroscopy.

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As an artist, I have created large-scale murals across Victoria and Queensland as part of the Blender Studios collective, including public commissions for the City of Melbourne, Highview Christian Community College, and the Women’s FIFA Trophy Tour. My personal studio practice spans painting, drawing, printmaking, and sculpture, with exhibitions held in Thailand and Australia, including solo and group shows at venues such as the Queen’s Gallery in Bangkok and Black Cat Gallery in Melbourne.

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Whether conserving historical works or producing new ones, my goal is always the same: to honor materials, tradition, and storytelling — preserving the past while creating for the present.

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Education

2023 — Master of Cultural Materials Conservation, University of Melbourne
2019 — Diploma of Leadership and Management, Lonsdale Institute, Melbourne
2013 — Bachelor of Fine Arts (Painting with Minor in Traditional Thai Painting), Chiang Mai University, Thailand

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Awards & Honours

2020 — Selected Artist, Shelter 2020, Multicultural Arts Victoria (MAV)
2013 — Bronze Medal for Academic Excellence, Faculty of Fine Arts, Chiang Mai         University (GPA 3.50)
2013 — Selected for Best Thesis Exhibition at The Queen’s Gallery, Bangkok