Manilla Chounlamountri

Manilla Chounlamountri, the creative force behind The Vientianist, has made a significant impact on the representation of Lao culture through her art. As a freelance graphic designer and illustrator based in Vientiane, she has contributed beautifully detailed illustrations to the Pha Khao Lao platform, highlighting the country’s rich agricultural diversity and culinary traditions. Her work reflects a seamless blend of Western styles and Lao cultural themes, creating visually compelling narratives that celebrate the essence of Lao heritage.

We included Manilla in our database of agrobiodiversity champions because her art brings a fresh perspective to the importance of preserving and promoting Lao biodiversity, particularly through its culinary aspects. Her illustrations do more than capture beauty—they tell stories of cultural resilience and the deep connection between food, agriculture, and tradition.

Manilla’s work is a bridge between past and present, combining vintage-inspired aesthetics with contemporary design to spark interest and appreciation for Lao biodiversity. By integrating cultural and ecological elements into her creations, she plays a vital role in advocating for the protection and celebration of Laos’ unique agricultural traditions.