A young man smiling in a restaurant or bar setting, wearing a colorful patterned shirt, with blurred background including other people and warm lighting.

About me

Randy Lertdarapong

South Philadelphia, Artist

I was born in Queens, NY, in 1984, to young Thai immigrant parents facing significant financial struggles. Growing up, my family moved frequently, navigating cultural differences that made assimilation a constant challenge. During difficult times, I found refuge and self-expression through art. I briefly attended the Art Institute of Philadelphia but left due to financial constraints and the need for greater discipline.

My experiences—serving in the Marines with two tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, grieving the loss of loved ones, and overcoming personal hardships—fuel my artistic vision. I create bold, vivid works featuring expressive human faces and dynamic lines, capturing themes of resilience, life, and identity.

Today, I dedicate my work to illuminating the vibrant stories of Southeast Asian communities. My style is heartfelt and bold, driven by a passion to inspire, heal, and amplify voices that need to be heard. I am open to collaborating on art projects within Philadelphia and welcome portrait commissions.

I hope you enjoy my art.

Young child dressed as the Statue of Liberty, wearing a crown and holding a small torch, smiling happily.
A photo of a man and a woman standing outdoors near a body of water during sunset, with trees in the background. The man is wearing a yellow t-shirt and a white jacket, and the woman is wearing a red and black jacket with floral pants.
A shirtless man with tattoos on his chest and arms, standing in a room with a patterned carpet, holding his fists up in a fighting pose, with a number 17 on his waistband.
A man with tattoos painting at an easel in a kitchen, sitting on a stool, wearing only shorts and an apron.