Introduction

The Bangkok Art Biennale (BAB) is an international contemporary art festival that transforms Thailand's capital city into a vibrant platform for creative expression and cultural exchange. Established in 2018, the biennale presents works by leading and emerging artists from Thailand and around the world across Bangkok's diverse venues, from ultramodern galleries to historic temples and unconventional public spaces.

With a vision to establish Bangkok as a significant hub for contemporary art in Southeast Asia, the biennale creates meaningful dialogues between local and global artistic practices. By connecting traditional Thai cultural heritage with contemporary concepts and innovations, BAB offers visitors unique opportunities to experience art in unexpected contexts while engaging with pressing social, environmental, and philosophical issues of our time.

Contemporary Art Asian Art Site-Specific Urban Intervention

Narrative & Themes

Each edition of the Bangkok Art Biennale is developed around a specific thematic framework that responds to contemporary global challenges while maintaining relevance to local contexts. Recent editions have explored themes such as sustainability, social justice, healing, spiritual well-being, and the increasingly complex relationship between humanity, technology, and nature.

The biennale consistently emphasizes the interplay between tradition and innovation, particularly in relation to Thai cultural heritage. By placing contemporary art in historical Buddhist temples and other sacred sites, BAB creates provocative juxtapositions that invite reflection on continuity and change, preservation and progress, and the evolving role of spirituality in modern life.

A distinctive feature of BAB is its engagement with Bangkok's urban landscape and waterways. The city's Chao Phraya River serves as both inspiration and venue, with artworks installed along its banks and on floating platforms, highlighting the historical importance of water to Thai culture while addressing current environmental concerns. This distributed exhibition model encourages exploration of Bangkok's diverse neighborhoods and architectural heritage.

History & Context

The Bangkok Art Biennale was founded in 2018 by Thai businessman and art patron Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi, CEO of ThaiBev, in collaboration with a team of international art professionals. The inaugural edition, titled "Beyond Bliss," established the biennale's distinctive approach of presenting contemporary art across Bangkok's diverse venues, from sacred temples to shopping malls, public parks, and historical buildings.

The biennale emerged at a time of growing interest in Southeast Asian contemporary art and amidst a proliferation of biennials across Asia. In this context, BAB has distinguished itself through its unique integration of sacred spaces into the exhibition landscape and its strong commitment to fostering dialogue between Thai and international artistic practices.

2018

Inaugural edition: "Beyond Bliss" - Exploring diverse interpretations of happiness and well-being

2020

Second edition: "Escape Routes" - Addressing global challenges and possibilities for positive change

2022

Third edition: "CHAOS : CALM" - Examining polarities and balance in turbulent times

2024

Fourth edition: "Existence: Life Among Other Things" - Exploring interconnections between all forms of life

Exhibition Venues

The Bangkok Art Biennale utilizes a diverse range of venues throughout the city, creating a unique exhibition experience that reflects Bangkok's complex urban landscape. Historic Buddhist temples (wats) serve as particularly distinctive venues, including Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), and Wat Prayoon, where contemporary art enters into dialogue with sacred architecture and religious traditions.

In addition to these historic sites, BAB incorporates contemporary art spaces such as Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), modern shopping complexes like CentralWorld and One Bangkok, public parks, community spaces, and locations along the Chao Phraya River. This distributed exhibition model transforms Bangkok itself into a canvas, encouraging visitors to explore different neighborhoods while experiencing the city's rich cultural heritage through a contemporary lens.

Venue Locations

The Bangkok Art Biennale takes place across multiple venues throughout Bangkok, with concentrations along the Chao Phraya River, in the historic old town, and in the modern city center.

Map of Bangkok Art Biennale Venues