The fourth edition of the Bangkok Art Biennale (BAB) brings together a global roster of renowned and emerging artists and collectives, including three artists from Japan
Running until February 25, 2025, BAB has cemented its status as one of Thailand’s most prestigious art events and a major highlight on the global art calendar. Established in 2017, its mission is to transform Bangkok into Southeast Asia’s premier contemporary art destination.

‘Parvati’ by Indian sculptor Ravinder Reddy is on display at National Museum Bangkok. Photo by Preecha Pattaraumporncha.
This year’s Biennale features 76 artists from 39 countries under the theme "Nurture Gaia," addressing critical issues such as anthropology, ecology, feminism, and the politics of time and place. Drawing from the Gaia hypothesis, which views Earth as a living organism, the theme resonates amid urgent global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss.
To encourage visitors to explore the city, the organizers have expanded the exhibition venues to include both traditional museum spaces and cultural landmarks, spanning 11 downtown locations divided into a River Route and a City Route.

Agnes Arellano is renowned for her surrealist sculptures, which often explore themes of mythology, spirituality, sexuality, and the human condition. Her works frequently feature expressive, anatomical forms and are typically created in plaster, bronze, or mixed media. Photo by Preecha Pattaraumpornchai.
The River Route includes stops along the Chao Phraya River, such as four historic temples—Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Wat Prayoon, and the newly added Wat Bowon Niwet Ratchaworawihan—as well as Museum Siam, the National Gallery of Thailand, and the National Museum Bangkok, the latter two debuting as 2024 venues.
The City Route blends traditional art spaces like the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) with commercial hubs, including Central World shopping mall, the BAB Box at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, and One Bangkok, a new mixed-use development in the central business district. This mix emphasizes accessibility and connects contemporary art with urban life.
Leading the Biennale is a distinguished curatorial team led by Prof. Dr. Apinan Poshyananda, Chief Executive and Artistic Director. He is joined by Dr. Paramaporn Sirikulchayanont, Director of the Art Centre at Silpakorn University, Pojai Akratanakul, Akiko Miki, renowned for curating the Yokohama Triennale and the 1998 Taipei Biennial, and Dr. Brian Curtin, an expert on Thai contemporary art.

Kapoor’s S-Curve creates optical illusions with mirror-polished steel. ©Anish Kapoor, Cloud Gate, 2004. Millennium Park, Chicago, USA. Photo by Peter J Schluz.
International luminaries include Anish Kapoor, Tony Cragg, Joseph Beuys, Louise Bourgeois, and Susan Collins. Cragg’s monumental sculptures exploring the human form’s relationship with nature while Kapoor’s S-Curve creates optical illusions with mirror-polished steel. Both artists’ works are on display at One Bangkok.
German artist Joseph Beuys, renowned for his "social sculpture" concept that merges art and activism, is exhibiting his works at the National Museum alongside Ban Chiang prehistoric artifacts, creating a connection between his themes and ancient history.
British artist Susan Collins presents Rising Tides at BACC, a work connecting the Chao Phraya and Thames Rivers, alongside a yearlong project filming the Chao Phraya 24/7.

‘Verse for Nights’ by Dusadee Huntrakul is on display at the National Museum. Photo by Preecha Pattaraumpornchai.
Thai artists contribute significantly to the Biennale’s dialogue on ecological resilience and interconnectedness. Dusadee Huntrakul, Pejvak Collective, Prasong Luemuang, and Sophirat Muangkum feature prominently. Rising stars Supawich Weesapen and Pokchat Worasub are also gaining attention. Weesapen, a Frieze Seoul and Art Jakarta alumnus, presents a National Gallery installation with aesthetics likened to filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul. Worasub’s innovative depictions of female bodies and sexuality bring a fresh, queer perspective to the National Gallery. Luemuang meditates on the human body and emotions, while Muangkum draws from personal stories, nature, and subcultures.
Three Japanese artists showcase works addressing "Nurture Gaia" through unique approaches. Aki Inomata collaborates with non-human entities like animals and insects to challenge notions of "creation" and "otherness." Her work debuted in Thailand at the 2018 Thailand Biennale.
Kei Imazu is collaborating with Indonesian artist Bagus Pandega on a project powered by palm tree energy. A machine-driven brush creates and erases paintings, warning of deforestation’s dangers. Though shown previously in Indonesia, this marks Imazu’s Thai debut.

Mai Yamashita+Naoto Kobayashi. Installation view at BACC. Image courtesy Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC).

Artist Aki Inomata’s work ‘Think Evolution #1Kiku-ishi (Ammonite). Image courtesy of Maho Kubota Gallery (©Aki Inomata).
Mai Yamashita+Naoto Kobayashi, less familiar in Southeast Asia due to their long residence in Germany, create labor-intensive works that highlight nature’s overlooked miracles. Their humorous, improvisational style embraces the unpredictability of interacting with non-human beings.
Beyond exhibitions, BAB 2024 offers an extensive program of public events, including artist talks, educational conferences, hands-on workshops, guided tours, publications, and online programming, ensuring an enriching and inclusive experience for all audiences.
Bangkok Art Biennale (BAB)
URL: www.bkkartbiennale.com
Instagram: @bkkartbiennale