Report on "Bangkok Art Biennale 2026": Will Thailand's Capital Become a Contemporary Art Platform in Southeast Asia?
The Bangkok Art Biennale 2026 has opened, using temples, malls, and the city itself as venues to position Bangkok as a Southeast Asian contemporary art hub.Summary
The Bangkok Art Biennale 2026, an urban art festival that combines sightseeing with art appreciation, opened on October 29, 2026, in Bangkok, Thailand, and runs until February 28, 2027. Founded in 2018 with the aim of developing Bangkok into a contemporary art center in Southeast Asia, the biennale has attracted about 5 million visitors over its past four editions, featuring over 300 artists from around the world. This year's theme is "Angels & Mara," with 72 artist groups participating; from Japan, Reiko Ikemura, Yasumasa Morimura, and others present striking exhibits. The curatorial team is led by Artistic Director Apinan Poshyananda and includes Adulaya Hoontrakul, Remy Jarry, Melanie Pocock, and Krapat Yantrasast. A key feature of BAB is its use of 11 "Bangkok-like" venues, from famous temples such as Wat Pho and Wat Arun to giant shopping malls and museums. A press tour included a Chao Phraya River cruise, emphasizing the experience of the city's allure together with art. Admission is free (though temples require an entrance fee).
(Source：Tokyo Art Beat)