Exploring the theme of Nurture Gaia with 76 international and local artists across 11 iconic venues in Bangkok from 24 October, 2024, to 25 February, 2025

The Bangkok Art Biennale (BAB) kicks off today, marking its much-anticipated return for its fourth edition, running from 24 October, 2024, to 25 February, 2025. Since its inception in 2017, BAB has aimed to establish Bangkok as a premier destination for contemporary art in Southeast Asia. This year’s theme, Nurture Gaia, focuses on environmental and cultural sustainability, drawing attention to pressing global challenges through the lens of art with a lineup featuring 76 artists from across the globe. The event is a spectacular fusion of creativity and social commentary, with exhibits displayed in both public and cultural spaces throughout the city.

Nurture Gaia: Art Inspired by Mother Earth

The central theme of Nurture Gaia is rooted in the idea of Mother Earth as a nurturer and life-giver, exploring the relationship between humanity and the planet. This concept is inspired by the Gaia Hypothesis, which suggests that Earth functions as a living organism. Today, this idea resonates deeply due to global crises such as climate change, pandemics and environmental degradation. The Bangkok Art Biennale offers a platform for artists to reflect on these issues through works that explore themes of ecology, feminism and the politics of time and place.

Among the various forms of art on display will be sculptures, paintings, videos and installations. Many of the artworks, from both well-established and emerging artists, will be unveiled for the first time at the Biennale. The diversity of the artists—representing North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania and the Middle East—further emphasises the event’s global nature.

Curators and Organisers

The 2024 edition of BAB is spearheaded by the esteemed Prof Dr Apinan Poshyananda, chief executive and artistic director of the Bangkok Art Biennale. Joining him is a team of renowned curators, including Pojai Akratanakul, Dr Brian Curtin, Akiko Miki and Dr Paramaporn Sirikulchayanont. Their collective expertise brings a well-rounded approach to the Biennale’s curation, with a focus on creating an engaging and thought-provoking experience for attendees.

A Brief History of the Bangkok Art Biennale

Launched in 2017, BAB has grown into a key event on the global contemporary art calendar. The Biennale takes place over four months, transforming Bangkok into a living gallery. Previous editions have highlighted various socio-political and environmental issues, with themes like Beyond Bliss and Chaos: Calm. The Biennale has attracted millions of visitors, contributing to Bangkok’s reputation as a cultural hub.

Over the years, BAB has also embraced the digital space. During the pandemic, the Biennale introduced BAB Virtual Venue, an online platform that brought the event to a global audience, garnering millions of views worldwide.

BAB 2024 Venues

One of the defining features of the Bangkok Art Biennale is its use of iconic city locations as exhibition spaces. In 2024, the Biennale features 11 venues spread across two routes: the River Route and the City Route. The River Route will highlight Bangkok’s cultural heritage, with artworks displayed in famous temples and museums, including Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) and the National Museum Bangkok.

For the first time, two additional venues have been added to the lineup: Central World, one of Bangkok’s largest retail complexes, and Wat Bowonniwetwiharn, a significant Buddhist temple. These new additions reflect BAB’s mission to combine contemporary art with the city’s urban and cultural landscape, offering a unique experience for both locals and tourists.

River Route

1. Temple of Dawn or Wat Arun

2. Temple of the Reclining Buddha or Wat Pho

3. Temple of Iron Fences or Wat Prayoon

4. Temple Bowon or Wat Bowonniwetwiharn Ratchaworawiharn

5. Museum Siam (National Discovery Museum Institute or NDMI)

6. National Gallery of Thailand

7. National Museum Bangkok, Siwamokhaphiman Hall

City Route

8. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC)

9. One Bangkok

10. BAB BOX at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC)

11. Central World

BAB is more than just an exhibition; it is an educational platform. The Biennale hosts a variety of public programs including artist talks, workshops and guided tours, aimed at enhancing public understanding and appreciation of contemporary art. The BAB Academy project is one such initiative, designed to build a stronger connection between art and the community, offering learning opportunities for both art lovers and professionals.

In addition, the Dek BAB program allows students and young art enthusiasts to participate directly in the Biennale by working alongside renowned artists. This hands-on experience helps connect artists and audiences, creating a new generation of creative professionals in Thailand.

Global Impact of Nurture Gaia

As the world grapples with environmental disasters and social unrest, the Nurture Gaia theme holds particular significance. Climate change, war and pandemics are pressing issues that demand urgent attention. The Bangkok Art Biennale, through its art and educational programs, seeks to provoke thought and inspire action on these critical global concerns.

Important figures like the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh and Sulak Sivalaksa have long discussed the Earth as a living being, and their philosophies resonate in the works displayed at BAB. By addressing these themes, the Biennale not only offers artistic expression but also serves as a call to action for preserving the planet and creating a deeper connection between humanity and nature.