Bangkok Art Biennale 2024
24 Oct 2024 - 25 Feb 2025
Bangkok Art Biennale 2024: Nurture Gaia
Choi Jeong Hwa, Breathing, 2018-2024. Waterproof fabric and motor. Dimensions variable. Image courtesy Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC)
Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan (Temple of Dawn), named by King Taksin Maharaj, is also called Wat Arun or Wat Chaeng. The temple has a history dated back to Ayutthaya Kingdom, and is known for the stupa encrusted with colorful porcelain collected from maritime trade between Siam and China.
Haritorn Akarapat, The Horde, 2024. Sculptures ranging from 2 to 5 meters high. Fiberglass coated in white enamel paint. Photo by Watcharakorn Luankham
Wat Pho: Initiated by King Rama I, Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan, commonly known as Wat Pho or Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is one of the most prominent temples in Thailand. Wat Pho is considered the first public education center in Bangkok, and is famous for the 46-meter-long Reclining Buddha.
Louise Bourgeois’s Eyes, 1995 installed during the Bangkok Art Biennale, Nurture Gaia, ), Bangkok, Thailand (10.24.24-2.25.25). Courtesy of Bangkok Art Biennale, © The Easton Foundation
Nakrob Moonmanas, Là, in the trapeziums, 2024. Three-channel video installation, carved marble, wood table, books, and sound installation. Variable dimensions. Photo by Arina Matvee
Nakrob Moonmanas, Là, in the trapeziums, 2024. Three-channel video installation, carved marble, wood table, books, and sound installation. Variable dimensions. Photo by Seni Chunhacha
Yanawit Kunjaethong, จะนับวันคืนลับไม่กลับคืน (Fading into Nothingness), 2024. Crushed Siamese Rosewood, Pine wood, Tiny Clip, Fish Sling, Data wall, Organic Print Worktable. Photo by Arina Matvee
Yanawit Kunjaethong, จะนับวันคืนลับไม่กลับคืน (Fading into Nothingness), 2024. Crushed Siamese Rosewood, Pine wood, Tiny Clip, Fish Sling, Data wall, Organic Print Worktable. Photo by Seni Chunhacha
Nurtura Gaia
In Greek mythology, Gaia is a goddess who offers life and nourishment. She has evolved in many forms and is revered as a mother, nurturer and giver of life. References to her have been found in temples, shrines, statues and paintings. In prehistoric times, she was worshiped as the feminine earth mother related to fertility and agriculture; in Hinduism, she is the earth as a living organism symbolized as mother earth Prithvi; in Southeast Asia, she takes on the form of Phra Mae Thorani found frequently in Buddhist scriptures and temples.
Gaia hypothesis, which proposed that the earth is a living being that sustains life, has received much attention. With climate change, pandemics, war and the destruction of the environment caused by Homo sapiens, there is critical awareness that humanity as an integral part of Earth, can no longer survive. When nature is defiled, people and animals ultimately suffer.
Scientists, environmentalists, sages and artists, including Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, James Lovestock, Bruno Latour, Jayasaro Bhikkhu and Sulak Sivalaksa, have discussed Gaia in the context of the earth as a living organism. Due to the lack of respect humans have for Gaia, the damage done to rainforests and the reduction of planetary biodiversity resulted in global catastrophe.
The World Meteorological Organization announced the hottest summer months measured in Europe. In September 2023, United Nations chief Antonio Guterres put the blame squarely on humans. “Scientists have long warned what our fossil addiction will unleash,” he said. “Our planet is imploding faster than we can cope with extreme weather events hitting every corner of our planet.” He added, “Surging temperatures demand a surge in action. Leaders must turn up the heat now for climate solutions.”
Artistic Director:
Prof. Dr. Apinan Poshyananda
International Advisors:
Marina Abramović, Lito Camacho, Kim Camacho, Mami Kataoka, Jean-Hubert Martin, Qiu Zhijie, Dr. Eugene Tan
Curatorial Team:
Akiko Miki, Dr. Brian Curtin, Dr. Paramaporn Sirikulchayanont, Pojai Akratanakul
Artists:
Adel Abdessemed
Busui Ajaw
Haritorn Akarapat
Agnes Arellano
Bruce Asbestos
Aideen Barry
Ari Bayuaji
Joseph Beuys
George Bolster
Louise Bourgeois
Jennie Bringaker
Lena Bui
Dante Buu
Chiara Camoni
Kanya Charoensupkul
Choi Jeong Hwa
Isaac Chong Wai
Viriya Chotpanyavisut
Susan Collins
Daniela Comani
Amanda Coogan
Tony Cragg
Rob Crosse
Priyageetha Dia
Guerreirodo Divino Amor
Nick Dudka
Elmgreen & Dragset
Lello Esposito
Chitra Ganesh
Gimhongsok
Agi Haines
Amanda Heng
Camille Henrot
Dusadee Huntrakul
AKIINOMATA
Mella Jaarsma
George K.
Anish Kapoor
Chitti Kasemkitvatana
Yanawit Kunchaethong
Cole Lu
Prasong Luemuang
Maria Madeira
Zul Mahmod
Nakrob Moonmanas
Sophirat Muangkum
Kira O'Reilly
Bagus Pandega & Kei Imazu
Mutmee Pimdao Panichsamai
Princess Marsi Paribatra
Pejvak Collective
Bounpaul Phothyzan
Abraham Poincheval
Ravinder Reddy
Lisa Reihana
Taiki Sakpisit
Moe Satt
Thavika Savangwongsakul
Nuttapon Sawasdee
Jessica Segall
David Shongo & Filip Van Dingenen
Pim Sudhikam
Som Supaparinya
Young-jun Tak
Jedsada Tangtrakulwong
Latai Taumoepeau
Komkrit Tepthian
Tian Xiaolei
Aleksandar Timotic
Jasmine Togo-Brisby
Deneth Piumakshi Veda Arachchige
Xiyao Wang
Supawich Weesapen
Wishulada
Pokchat Worasub
Mai Yamashita+Naoto Kobayashi
In Greek mythology, Gaia is a goddess who offers life and nourishment. She has evolved in many forms and is revered as a mother, nurturer and giver of life. References to her have been found in temples, shrines, statues and paintings. In prehistoric times, she was worshiped as the feminine earth mother related to fertility and agriculture; in Hinduism, she is the earth as a living organism symbolized as mother earth Prithvi; in Southeast Asia, she takes on the form of Phra Mae Thorani found frequently in Buddhist scriptures and temples.
Gaia hypothesis, which proposed that the earth is a living being that sustains life, has received much attention. With climate change, pandemics, war and the destruction of the environment caused by Homo sapiens, there is critical awareness that humanity as an integral part of Earth, can no longer survive. When nature is defiled, people and animals ultimately suffer.
Scientists, environmentalists, sages and artists, including Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, James Lovestock, Bruno Latour, Jayasaro Bhikkhu and Sulak Sivalaksa, have discussed Gaia in the context of the earth as a living organism. Due to the lack of respect humans have for Gaia, the damage done to rainforests and the reduction of planetary biodiversity resulted in global catastrophe.
The World Meteorological Organization announced the hottest summer months measured in Europe. In September 2023, United Nations chief Antonio Guterres put the blame squarely on humans. “Scientists have long warned what our fossil addiction will unleash,” he said. “Our planet is imploding faster than we can cope with extreme weather events hitting every corner of our planet.” He added, “Surging temperatures demand a surge in action. Leaders must turn up the heat now for climate solutions.”
Artistic Director:
Prof. Dr. Apinan Poshyananda
International Advisors:
Marina Abramović, Lito Camacho, Kim Camacho, Mami Kataoka, Jean-Hubert Martin, Qiu Zhijie, Dr. Eugene Tan
Curatorial Team:
Akiko Miki, Dr. Brian Curtin, Dr. Paramaporn Sirikulchayanont, Pojai Akratanakul
Artists:
Adel Abdessemed
Busui Ajaw
Haritorn Akarapat
Agnes Arellano
Bruce Asbestos
Aideen Barry
Ari Bayuaji
Joseph Beuys
George Bolster
Louise Bourgeois
Jennie Bringaker
Lena Bui
Dante Buu
Chiara Camoni
Kanya Charoensupkul
Choi Jeong Hwa
Isaac Chong Wai
Viriya Chotpanyavisut
Susan Collins
Daniela Comani
Amanda Coogan
Tony Cragg
Rob Crosse
Priyageetha Dia
Guerreirodo Divino Amor
Nick Dudka
Elmgreen & Dragset
Lello Esposito
Chitra Ganesh
Gimhongsok
Agi Haines
Amanda Heng
Camille Henrot
Dusadee Huntrakul
AKIINOMATA
Mella Jaarsma
George K.
Anish Kapoor
Chitti Kasemkitvatana
Yanawit Kunchaethong
Cole Lu
Prasong Luemuang
Maria Madeira
Zul Mahmod
Nakrob Moonmanas
Sophirat Muangkum
Kira O'Reilly
Bagus Pandega & Kei Imazu
Mutmee Pimdao Panichsamai
Princess Marsi Paribatra
Pejvak Collective
Bounpaul Phothyzan
Abraham Poincheval
Ravinder Reddy
Lisa Reihana
Taiki Sakpisit
Moe Satt
Thavika Savangwongsakul
Nuttapon Sawasdee
Jessica Segall
David Shongo & Filip Van Dingenen
Pim Sudhikam
Som Supaparinya
Young-jun Tak
Jedsada Tangtrakulwong
Latai Taumoepeau
Komkrit Tepthian
Tian Xiaolei
Aleksandar Timotic
Jasmine Togo-Brisby
Deneth Piumakshi Veda Arachchige
Xiyao Wang
Supawich Weesapen
Wishulada
Pokchat Worasub
Mai Yamashita+Naoto Kobayashi