Audiences will be able to seek a sense of calm in the midst of unrest by experiencing stillness and tranquility through art in a post-pandemic world

The Bangkok Art Biennale (BAB) returns this year, from October 22 until February 23, 2023, with international and local artists participating once again at various locations across the nation’s capital. 

The theme of the Biennale this year is CHAOS:CALM, reflecting the unpredictable conditions that the world has gone through over the past few years, from climate change to the global pandemic and political turmoil. The masterpieces by participating artists will reflect trauma and angst experienced globally but also provide hope for the human condition of carrying on. Prof. Dr. Apinan Poshyananda, the director of the Bangkok Art Biennale, further expresses the theme, pointing out “the nuanced tension between these two concepts that are seemingly at odds, yet continue to coexist in our daily lives.”

‘Eternity- Northern Qi golden and painted Buddha, Tang Dynasty’, Xu When

Robert Mapplethorpe, Ken Moody and Robert Sherman, 1984

While some details are yet to be disclosed, some of the venues include Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), JWD Art Space, Museum Siam, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Samyan Mitrtown, The PARQ, The Prelude One Bangkok, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and Wat Prayoon. The 2022 edition will also be launching the BAB Virtual Space as a new venue to showcase a number of innovative artworks specifically created for the digital empire.

Participating artists range from the emerging to the established, with representation across Thailand, Asia, Europe, Oceania, and America. Among international artists set to take part are Xu Zhen and Robert Mapplethorpe, who will make their debut appearances at the biennial, while Marina Abramović will return for the third time. The world-renowned performance artist has raised money for Ukraine by restaging her performance piece The Artist Is Present.

Artist Portrait with a Candle from the series ‘Places of Power’, Marina Abramović

From the Thai art scene, some of the highlights include: Arin Rungjang, a pioneer of installation art who represented Thailand at the 2013 Venice Biennale will be featured; Nawin Nuthong, representing Speedy Grandma, a pioneer in alternative art spaces in Bangkok; enigmatic digital artist Uninspired by Current Events; and multidisciplinary artist and activist Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya.

‘Golden Teardrop, 2013’, Arin Rungjang

‘The Immortals are quite busy these days’, Nawin Nuthong

Click here to see the full list of artists.

For more information, visit bkkartbiennale.com.