For the first time, Bangkok is becoming part of the international biennale circuit and hosting a nationwide art exhibition from Nov 2018 – Feb 2019.
The inaugural Bangkok Art Biennale (BAB) will host events and exhibitions in venues up and down the Chao Praya River. These will include Wat Pho, the East Asiatic Company, Wat Arun, and more. The Bangkok Art and Culture Center (BACC) and Lumpini Park will also play host to this international art festival. It will focus on contemporary art from Asia, Europe, and the Pacific.
Tana Sirivadhanabhakdi, the Thai Ambassador to Italy and biennale co-founder, said that he hopes the event will cement a strong bond between Venice and Bangkok. The event is held in co-operation with the world-famous, 120-year-old Venice Biennale, the original large-scale contemporary art exhibition.
The parallels between Bangkok and Venice are notable. Historically, Bangkok life revolved around the Chao Praya river. The waters were routes for trade and transportation, and attracted the attention of travelers as well as merchants.
They came from China, India and Europe via the river, which bustled with boats and barges.
Since the city was also rich in culture and tradition, Bangkok was known as the “Venice of the East.”
Today, the city is still world-famous for its heritage and hospitality but it’s becoming known for contemporary art as well, which makes it the perfect location for a large-scale art event.
The BAB 2018 will be the first ever biennale in Bangkok, and will boast a convergence of local and international artists, making 2018 a prime time for art lovers to visit Asia’s answer to Venice.
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