“Bangkok Art Biennale 2020” invites you to experience art in the “New Normal”

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“Bangkok Art Biennale 2020” invites you to experience art in the “New Normal” way, announcing a lineup of 82 world-renowned artists, with over 200 artworks at 9 landmarks in the heart of the capital.

[/vc_message][vc_single_image image=”47163″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”47165″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”47167″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”47169″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]The international contemporary art festival “Bangkok Art Biennale 2020” (BAB 2020) returns with world-class eminence to transform Bangkok into the global destination of art and culture. BAB 2020 cordially invites you to experience art in the “New Normal” way, with a lineup of 82 world-renowned artists from 35 countries in 5 continents, who will elevate and energise the Thai art scene with over 200 artworks under the theme of “Escape Routes”. Among 82 artists include: Marina Abramović, Irwan Ahmett and Tita Salina, Ai Weiwei, John Akomfrah, Rushdi Anwar, Elina Brotherus, Maisie Cousins, Leandro Erlich, Ho Rui An, Christian Jankowski, Anish Kapoor, Yuree Kensaku, Khvay Samnang, Ga Ram Kim, Dinh Q. Lê, Lu Yang, Yoko Ono, Nipan Oranniwesna, Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook, Pen-Ek Ratanaruang, Michael Shaowanasai, Melati Suryodarrmo, Yuken Teruya, Rirkrit Tiravanija, and Bill Viola.

The artworks will be exhibited across nine venues in the heart of Bangkok consisting of The Parq, BAB Box, The Prelude One Bangkok – from 12 October 2020 onwards — and at three historic temples Wat Pho (commonly known as Temple of the Reclining Buddha), Wat Arun, and Wat Prayoon, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), Museum Siam and LHONG 1919 – from 29 October 2020 until 31 January 2021.

BAB 2020 is spearheaded by Thai Beverage Public Company Limited, who forms a significant collaboration with the government and the private sector, including Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), One Bangkok, Siam Cement Group Public Company Limited (SCG), Toyota Motor Thailand Co., Ltd., South East Insurance Public Company Limited, PM Center Co., Ltd., Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, Amarin TV 34, GMM Channel Company Limited, and Embassies in Thailand as main sponsors and allied partners.

Mr.Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expressed: “The return of the second Bangkok Art Biennale in Bangkok in 2020, which features a lineup of internationally renowned artists, will bring together art enthusiasts around the world to the most favorite destination for art and culture. This event reassures the situation is getting better at the time of post COVID-19 pandemic and pronounces Thailand’s readiness and capabilities to welcome tourists with our smiles and safety.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is confident that Bangkok Art Biennale 2020 will help boosting the capability of cultural tourism and creativity, attracting domestic and international tourists, healing our soul, increasing economic activities and promoting tourism during this economic recession period. Thailand is determined to press forward with all activities to promote quality tourism, aiming to achieve sustainable tourism goals.”

Prof. Dr. Apinan Poshyananda, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Bangkok Art Biennale said: “Bangkok Art Biennale 2020 has become an art event of global significance, which transforms Bangkok into a connecting hub for art and culture, thanks to the success of the festival’s first edition in 2018. This year, we have 82 artists, even more than the previous edition, which will help liven up both the tourism and the art scene with over 200 world-class artworks under the theme of “Escape Routes” at 9 notable locations in the heart of Bangkok.

These include temples, pathways along the Chao Phraya River, and communities of long history, all of which are Thailand’s invaluable cultural heritage sites and considered the tourism epicentre of Bangkok. The exhibitions at The Parq, BAB Box and The Prelude One Bangkok will welcome visitors to start experiencing world-class artworks from 12 October 2020 – 31 January 2021. The full instalment will commence on 29 October 2020 and run until 31 January 2021 at Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Wat Prayoon, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), Museum Siam and LHONG 1919.

We are fully prepared for the “New Normal” way of art viewing, with safety and social distancing measures such as mask wearing, temperature check, cleaning with alcohol, to fully reassure our audiences.

Another special addition this year is the opening of “BAB Café” on the 3rd floor of “The PARQ”, which was created in collaboration with the mixed-use development as a place for relaxation with a cozy vibe in the adjoining Art Gallery, where the visitor will be treated with rotating exhibitions and activities by BAB along with over 25 artworks by 16 artists exhibited on the 15th floor of The PARQ.

What’s more, the “DEK BAB” program is an important initiative set up to develop more personnel for the arts that doesn’t require prior experience or education. The program forms a group of trainees, from university students to the general public, who will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge about contemporary art in the real world-class setting that cannot be found in any textbook. Dek BAB apprentices act like ambassadors who connect the artists with the audiences, their ideas, feelings, and aspirations with the artists’, as well as connecting the artworks with the context of Bangkok. Dek BAB’s contribution has been an essential part of the Bangkok Art Biennale. With over 730 applicants, an increase from the previous edition, we’re hopeful that BAB 2020 will offer a memorable experience and joyful inspirations for tourists and art enthusiasts from around the world.”

Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) commented: “On a global scale, Bangkok Art Biennale 2020 is a contemporary art festival that will mark Bangkok as an arts and cultural hub. The collaborations between different sectors that made this event possible are admirable, especially the commitment from the private sector including Thai Beverage Public Company Limited along with other organisations who see the importance of supporting cultural tourism, and together help push forward this biennale.

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) provides support for activities throughout the “Bangkok Art Biennale 2020” that will help liven up the country’s tourism. In addition to generating a dynamic atmosphere in the art community, the biennale would help stimulate economic growth, especially in the tourism and hospitality sector. It is such a great opportunity to attract tourists who are art lovers to experience the charm of Thai art and culture, to help send the message to the world that ‘Bangkok is the world’s destination for art and culture.’ I must thank every party involved who made such a great event possible. Thank you.”

Follow the latest news and activities of Bangkok Art Biennale 2020 (BAB 2020) on Facebook and Instagram: Bkkartbiennale

For more information please contact:
Brunswick Arts bkkartbiennale@brunswickgroup.com +852 3512 5060
For artist and curator portraits and a selection of artwork Images, please download via this link.

Notes to Editor
About the Bangkok Art Biennale
The second edition of Bangkok Art Biennale (BAB 2020) will be held, from 29th October 2020 through to 31st January 2021 in Thailand’s capital, organised by the Bangkok Art Biennale Foundation. The foundation was cofounded in 2017 by CEO and President of ThaiBev, Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi and the former permanent secretary of Thailand’s Ministry of Culture, Prof. Dr. Apinan Poshyananda, the Chief Executive and Artistic Director of BAB. BAB 2018 was Bangkok’s first Biennale, marking the city’s addition to the international biennale circuit. Under the theme Beyond Bliss, the three-month event featured contemporary art from Asia, Europe and the Pacific region, showcased at various sites in Bangkok, including Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, BAB Box One Bangkok as well as historical buildings and ancient temples.

Prof. Dr. Apinan Poshyananda, Chief Executive and Artistic Director Bangkok Art Biennale
Professor Dr. Apinan Poshyananda was born in 1956. He received his Bachelor and Master Degree in Fine Arts from Edinburgh University and Ph.D. in History of Art from Cornell University. As artist, he won 3 medals at National Exhibition of Art, Thailand. Poshyananda is author of several books on Thai and Asian art. He became professor at the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. Poshyananda served as Director-General, Office of Contemporary Art and Culture, Director-General of Cultural Promotion Department and, the Permanent Secretary and Acting Minister, Ministry of Culture, Thailand when he was to commission and curate the first Thai Pavilion at 50th Venice Biennale in 2003. He has curated and directed international art exhibitions in Asia, Europe, USA and Australia including Contemporary Art from Asia: Traditional/Tension (1996, Grey Art Gallery, Queen Museum of Art, and Asia Society Galleries, New York); Traces of Siamese Smile: Art + Faith + Politic + Love (2008) the inaugural exhibition of the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC); Thailand Eye (2015, Saatchi Gallery, London and BACC). He is a committee member of the Asian Cultural Council, New York; Solomon Guggenheim Museum, New York; Board of National Gallery, Singapore; Board of Foundation of BACC; and Advisor to President and CEO, Thai Beverage Plc. He was conferred Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant, Thailand; Knight First Class of Royal Order of the Polar Star, Sweden; Knight, Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity, Italy and Officer of the French Arts and Letters Order, France.

Curators
• Asst. Prof. Wutigorn Kongka, Artist and Lecturer at Fine Arts Department, Faculty of Architecture, King’s Mongkut Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Thailand
• Ong Puay Khim, Head & Curator, Biennale and Residencies, Singapore Art Museum, Singapore
• Sun Wenjie, Head of Exhibitions, Red Brick Art Museum, Beijing, China
• Dow Wasiksiri, Artist and President of the Royal Photographic Society of Thailand (RPST), Thailand

International advisory committee
• Marina Abramović, Performance artist and President of Marina Abramović Institute (MAI)
• David Stuart Elliott, Vice-Director and Senior Curator of RMCA, Guangzhou, China
• Fumio Nanjo, Former Director of the Mori Art Museum, Tokyo, Japan
• Alexandra Munroe, Senior Curator of Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation, New York, USA
• Marco Scotini, Artistic Director of FM Center for Contemporary Art, and Head of the Visual Arts and Curatorial Studies Department at NABA, Milan, Italy
• Wang Chen, Vice President of the China Arts and Entertainment Group and member of the Expert Committee of China National Art Foundation

Participating Artists
• Marina Abramović
• Irwan Ahmett and Tita Salina
• Ai Weiwei
• John Akomfrah
• Ruangsak Anuwatwimon
• Rushdi Anwar
• Martha Atienza
• Thanet Awsinsiri
• Massimo Bartolini
• Baatarzorig Batjargal
• Nomin Bold
• Elina Brotherus
• Carlos Casas
• Choy Ka Fai
• Venzha Christ and Indonesia Space Science Society
• Maisie Cousins
• Frank Hallam Day
• Nezaket Ekici
• Leandro Erlich
• Julia Fullerton-Batten
• Miles Greenberg
• Tada Hengsapkul
• Maria Stamenković Herranz
• Ho Rui An
• Christian Jankowski
• Reena Saini Kallat
• Lampu Kansanoh
• Anish Kapoor
• Kaung Swan Thar
• Yuree Kensaku
• Kubra Khademi
• Naiza Khan
• Khvay Samnang
• Ga Ram Kim
• Elena Knox
• Tan Kositpipat
• Note Kritsada
• Dinh Q. Lê
• Haevan Lee
• Lolay
• Lu Yang
• Rachel Maclean
• Taus Makhacheva
• Rania Matar
• Dane Mitchell
• Sarah Naqvi
• New-Territories, with…
• Uttaporn Nimmalaikeaw
• Yoko Ono
• Nipan Oranniwesna
• P7
• Jureeporn Pedking
• Samer Peerachai
• Buchachon Petthanya
• Souliya Phoumivong
• I-na Phuyuthanon
• Ana Prvački
• Thaiwijit Puengkasemsomboon
• Charit Pusiri
• Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook
• Pen-Ek Ratanaruang
• Marinella Senatore
• Andres Serrano
• Michael Shaowanasai
• Yanakorn Sinvatcharaporn
• Rungruang Sittirerk
• Minah Son
• Dansoung Sungvoraveshapan
• Wasinburee Supanichvoraparch
• Melati Suryodarmo
• Prateep Suthatongthai
• Farhana Islam Tani
• Yuken Teruya
• Bussaraporn Thongchai
• Narongyot Thongyu
• Chantana Tiprachart
• Rirkrit Tiravanija
• Ubatsat
• Bill Viola
• Tawan Wattuya
• Zhang Kechun
• Zhou Xiao Hu

Venues
1. BAB Box, One Bangkok
2, The Prelude, One Bangkok
3. The Parq
4. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC)
5. Museum Siam
6. LHONG 1919
7. Wat Pho
8. Wat Arun
9. Wat Prayoon[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”47175″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”47171″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]