BANGKOK — Returning for its fourth edition this October, the Bangkok Art Biennale (BAB) announced on September 6 to add more 31 international artists and two more venues for the title Nurture Gaia. The expansion of artists and venues further enriches the city-wide event and continues to spotlight Southeast Asia’s vibrant art scene while also bringing diverse international perspectives to the continent.
The BAB is organised by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), in collaboration with The Fine Arts Department (FAD), Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Thai Beverage Public Company Limited (ThaiBev) and One Bangkok.
The various Biennale-host locations include ancient heritage sites such as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha and the Temple of Dawn, the Museum Siam, art galleries, and more. Running from October 24, 2024 to February 25, 2025. The Biennale will showcase 76 leading artists from 39 countries across 11 venues.
Nurture Gaia draws its inspiration from the maternal figure of Mother Earth, symbolising her historical expressions as a nurturer and giver of life across cultures. Conceptually extending upon this, the Bangkok Art Biennale will explore vital contemporary themes such as anthropology, collectivism, ecology, feminism, and the politics of time and place.
The ‘Gaia Hypothesis’ proposes that the Earth functions like a living organism that supports life across organic and inorganic matter. Today, we face urgent issues such as climate change, pandemics, war, and environmental destruction caused by humans. There is a growing realisation that humanity, as an integral part of Earth, is facing critical challenges.
The Biennale will feature a constellation of artworks, many of which will be on display for the first time, including drawings, paintings, sculptures, videos, and installations from established and emerging artists and collectives.
The additional 31 participating artists include:
- Busui Ajaw (Thailand)
- Bruce Asbestos (UK)
- Lena Bui (Vietnam)
- Kanya Charoensupkul (Thailand)
- Viriya Chotpanyavisut (Thailand)
- Daniela Comani (Italy)
- Tony Cragg (UK)
- Rob Crosse (UK)
- Lello Esposito (Italy)
- Gimhongsok (South Korea)
- Agi Haines (UK)
- Mella Jaarsma (The Netherlands / Indonesia)
- George K. (India)
- Anish Kapoor (UK)
- Chitti Kasemkitvatana (Thailand)
- Cole Lu (Taiwan)
- Maria Madeira (Timor-Leste)
- Zul Mahmod (Singapore)
- Nakrob Moonmanas (Thailand)
- Sophirat Muangkham (Thailand)
- Mutmee Pimdao Panichsamai (Thailand)
- Deneth Piumakshi Veda Arachchige (Sri Lanka)
- Moe Satt (Myanmar)
- Thavika Savangwongsakul (Thailand)
- Latai Taumoepeau (Australia)
- Komkrit Thepthian (Thailand)
- Tian Xiaolei (China)
- Aleksandar Timotic (Serbia)
- Jasmine Togo-Brisby (Australia)
- Wang Xiyao (China)
- Pokchat Worasab (Thailand)
Programme highlights include a variety of artworks, such as performance and costume installation:
- Mella Jaarsma (The Netherlands / Indonesia) explores the urgency of disappearing knowledge and the tension between contemporary art and tradition
- Pokchat Worasub (Thailand) explores ethnic identity and marginality through photography
- Agi Haines (UK) offers a provocative glimpse into the future of human adaptation, exploring the profound implications of potential body modifications designed to tackle emerging challenges
- Adel Abdessemed (Algeria / France) will showcase a large-scale installation exploring the interconnectedness of mother and child
- Mutmee Pimdao Panichsamai (Thailand) creates a new video work exploring the human mind and society using movement, lighting, and theatricality
- Gimhongsok (South Korea) presents a new body of work, that consists of sculptural installations addressing the subject of labour conditions
- Anish Kapoor (UK) and Tony Cragg (UK) will display major sculptures at One Bangkok as a part of Bangkok Art Biennale 2024, and where they will remain permanently.
Our panel of esteemed advisors features seven prominent figures in the art world: Marina Abramović, world-renowned performance artist; Lito Camacho, Chairman, University of the Arts Singapore; Kim Camacho, art collector; Mami Kataoka, Director of Mori Art Museum; Jean-Hubert Martin, honorary director of the Musée National d’Art Moderne at the Centre Georges Pompidou; Qiu Zhijie, Artist, Curator, Writer, President of the Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts and Professor at Central Academy of Fine Arts; and Dr. Eugene Tan, Director of the National Gallery Singapore and the Singapore Art Museum.
Led by Prof. Dr. Apinan Poshyananda, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Bangkok Art Biennale (BAB), the dedicated curatorial team for this year’s edition includes Pojai Akratanakul, curatorial section lead of BAB; Dr. Brian Curtin, art critic and educator; Akiko Miki, International Artistic Director of Benesse Art Site Naoshima and curator; and Dr. Paramaporn Sirikulchayanont, lecturer and former Director of the Art Centre of Silpakorn University, Bangkok.
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