The Bangkok Art Biennale (BAB) is a biennial contemporary art festival that transforms Bangkok into a vibrant hub of artistic expression, showcasing works from both local and international artists across various venues in the city. Founded in 2017, Bangkok Art Biennale (BAB) is an art festival set in the capital of Thailand. Spanning various venues over a period of four months, BAB transforms the bustling city of Bangkok into a lively hub that celebrates art, creativity, and culture. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in contemporary art from a diverse range of contemporary artists, both local and international, throughout the city in art and cultural spaces, as well as in Bangkok’s iconic landmarks, temples and public spaces.
The inaugural Bangkok Art Biennale (BAB 2018) themed Beyond Bliss was the first major international contemporary art festival in Thailand and attracted over two million visitors across 20 venues featuring 75 artists; while BAB 2020, Espace Routes, garnered 2.3 million viewers online and over 400 thousand visitors across 10 venues showcasing 82 artists, despite being mounted amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. Those numbers were among the highest for the eight international biennales that kept to schedule during lockdowns. BAB 2022, CHAOS : CALM, welcomed nearly 1 million visitors across 12 venues that showcased 73 artists. In addition, BAB is accompanied by a rich programme of public events, including educational conferences, talks, hands-on workshops, guided visits, publications, and online programs to ensure a memorable and educational experience for all.
BAB 2024: “Nurture Gaia”
The fourth edition of BAB, running from October 24, 2024, to February 25, 2025, adopts the theme “Nurture Gaia”, emphasizing ecological awareness and the nurturing aspects of nature. This theme invites reflection on the relationship between art, nature, and humanity.
Participating Artists
BAB 2024 features 76 artists from 39 countries, including:
• Adel Abdessemed (Algeria/France)
• Choi Jeong Hwa (South Korea)
• Louise Bourgeois (France/USA)
• AKI INOMATA (Japan)
• Princess Marsi Paribatra (Thailand)
These artists present a diverse array of artworks, from sculptures and paintings to video installations, exploring themes related to ecology, femininity, and biodiversity.
Venues
Artworks are displayed across 11 iconic venues in Bangkok, blending historical and contemporary settings:
• Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC): The main venue, featuring the largest collection of artworks.
• Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn): An ancient temple providing a serene backdrop for contemporary art.
• Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha): Integrating art within a historic and spiritual context.
• Wat Prayoon: Another historic temple hosting installations that dialogue with its architecture.
These venues offer unique experiences, allowing visitors to engage with art in diverse environments.
Programs and Activities
Beyond exhibitions, BAB 2024 includes:
• Conferences and Workshops: Facilitating discussions on art, ecology, and cultural preservation.
• Guided Tours: Providing insights into the artworks and their contexts.
• Publications: Offering deeper explorations of the themes and artists featured.
These programs aim to foster a deeper understanding of contemporary art and its role in addressing global challenges. The Bangkok Art Biennale 2024 serves as a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue, highlighting Bangkok’s position as a significant center for contemporary art in Southeast Asia.