Bangkok Art Biennale 2024: “Nurture Gaia” Explores Ecology & Culture
The Bangkok Art Biennale 2024, now in its fourth edition, will run from October 24, 2024, to February 25, 2025, and is set to immerse audiences in the theme “Nurture Gaia.”
This theme embraces the idea of Mother Earth as a nurturing force, delving into urgent subjects such as ecology, feminism, and the intersection of time and place in shaping global narratives.
The Biennale will transform Bangkok’s cultural landscape, hosting 76 artists from 39 countries across 11 unique venues.
Theme and Venue Highlights
Under “Nurture Gaia,” artists will present work exploring the interconnectivity of life, addressing how humanity can care for and coexist with our planet.
The Biennale’s venue choices reflect this respect for both past and present: visitors can explore installations within Bangkok’s revered sites, including Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), alongside modern venues like the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre and the National Gallery of Thailand.
This blend of sacred and contemporary settings underlines the Biennale’s commitment to linking traditional wisdom with forward-thinking art.
Artist Lineup and Exhibits
The Biennale features an impressive array of global talent.
Notable artists include Adel Abdessemed, known for his evocative work bridging personal and cultural history; New Zealand’s Lisa Reihana, whose multimedia works explore Indigenous narratives; and Aki Inomata from Japan, celebrated for her thought-provoking sculptures.
Also participating are the Scandinavian duo Elmgreen & Dragset, whose conceptual installations have garnered international acclaim, and Singapore’s Priyageetha Dia, recognized for work critically examining identity and place.
With many pieces created specifically for this event, audiences will experience a rich diversity of painting, sculpture, video, and installation art, much of it debuting for the first time.
Programming and Cultural Events
During the opening week, the Biennale will host performances and symposiums to foster engagement with current issues. Highlights include:
- Kira O’Reilly’s Performance on Menopause: O’Reilly will present a compelling reflection on the biological and cultural implications of menopause.
- Amanda Coogan’s Sign Language Celebration: Coogan will honor the deaf community, centering her performance on the beauty of sign language.
- Isaac Chong Wai’s Collective Body Installation: Chong Wai’s video work will focus on the dynamics of collective action and solidarity.
These performances will provide attendees with multiple lenses to view contemporary issues, each performance designed to spark thought and conversation.
A New Era for Bangkok’s Cultural Scene
The Bangkok Art Biennale has quickly become a cultural landmark, known for bringing innovative global art to Southeast Asia and transforming Bangkok into a dynamic platform for conversation on issues that resonate worldwide.
This year’s edition, with its focus on environmental care and interconnected humanity, promises to inspire visitors and contribute to a deeper understanding of art’s role in envisioning a sustainable future.
Through its diverse programming and compelling theme, the 2024 Biennale is set to reinforce Bangkok’s place on the world art map.
