Thai Students Transform Forgotten Memories Into 3D Balloon Art

Balloon Art Company Ltd. has partnered with Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin's Department of Communication Design and the Network Institute to drive creative innovation through the "Art for Art 2026" competition, a 3D art design contest under the theme "The Forgotten Things." The project opens a creative space for Thai youth to transform forgotten memories, feelings, and overlooked moments into inflatable balloon sculptures for the first time.

Sculptor and competition judge Worsawong Samatthapon stated: "This year's project seeks to innovate and position balloon sculpture as contemporary art media and installation work. The theme 'The Forgotten Things' challenges the younger generation to reinterpret forgotten memories, emotions, or once-meaningful moments through deep thinking, from concept development and design refinement to technical documentation and prototype production."

Following an intensive ideation process and expert workshops, judges have officially selected six outstanding teams from 15 finalists:

**Grand Prize: "Timeless" (Team Three Moms, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi)** – Conveys father-child relationships through an hourglass structure, questioning how we sacrifice the present for the future and lose family time.

**First Runner-Up: "Fading Wings" (Team Sticky Chicken Lost, Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin)** – Depicts growth constrained by societal expectations, losing freedom and dreams.

**Second Runner-Up: "Forgotten Identity" (Team Three Remaining Four, Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin)** – Reflects how personal identity changes as we grow, causing us to forget our original goals.

**Honorable Mention: "Young Elephant Guardian of the Forest" (Team Sadhu, Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin)** – Conservation-focused artwork highlighting disappearing nature and wildlife.

**Honorable Mention: "Forgetting the Need for Comfort" (Team We Bare Bears, Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin)** – Invites viewers to embrace vulnerability in a world that demands growth.

**Honorable Mention: "Grandmother's Darling" (Team Noo Unknown, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi)** – Explores forgotten loved ones we leave behind in our rush forward, symbolized by a grandmother waiting at home.

The winning designs will be produced as large-scale inflatable balloon sculptures and exhibited at a full-scale exhibition with an official awards ceremony at Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) from August 18–30.