Bangkok Art Biennale (BAB) recently revealed a list of 20 artists from around the world for its third art exhibition running under the theme "Chaos: Calm", from Oct 22 next year until Feb 23, 2023.
Both Thai and international artists will present contemporary artwork at six physical venues in Bangkok as well as digital art at BAB Virtual Space to reflect their perspective of the new global disorder.
Prof Apinan Poshyananda, BAB's chief executive and artistic director said at a recent press conference: "The Bangkok Art Biennale invites artists to explore the dichotomy of 'CHAOS: CALM' and express the tension between two concepts seemingly at odds that coexist in our daily lives."
Additionally, he further explained the visual for this theme by pointing out that BAB's logo is a symbol of Wat Arun with "mosaics or pixels shining brightly on the temple". Those dots jump off the temple and "uncontrollably spread through the air like stardust, or perhaps Covid-19".
Amidst the chaos, there is a glimpse of hope and serendipity as humans and nature slowly come to terms with survival. However, with the immensity of detriment and destruction, the way of life will never return to normal. The discovery of calmness in turmoil can be unexpectedly enriching. Such a process covers a wide range of demands including empathy, patience, allure and humour.
Panellists including Loredana Pazzini-Paracciani, Prof Apinan Poshyananda, Chomwan Weeraworawit and Jirat Ratthawongjirakul discuss Bangkok Art Biennale 2022. Photos: Malisa Milinthangkul
"Seeking a sense of calm in the midst of turmoil is a journey that offers knowledge and opportunity. Experiences of stillness and tranquillity can be found in this post-pandemic world of upheaval," he noted.
Apparently, "art is a path of hope in this chaotic world", said Marina Abramovic, a Serbian artist who returns to BAB for the third time as she hopes to find happiness and power through art again.
Since its inaugural edition, BAB has continually pushed boundaries, making artwork more accessible to the public. For this edition, the art festival will be held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention and Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, and other traditional heritage sites such as Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Wat Prayoon and Museum Siam.
While many Thai artists are elated for BAB 2022 since it is the first time they will share their contemporary art with the world, Myrtille Tibayrence, a French painter, is "extremely surprised and overwhelmed" that her work will be displayed in Bangkok's iconic landmarks instead of public toilets.
In this way, visitors can indulge themselves with contemporary art from a diverse range of artists throughout Thailand's historical and cultural spaces.
Moreover, Bangkok's historic places might lead artists to a place of contemplation and reflection about the fragility of life at the time of the coronavirus pandemic, environmental crises and socio-political upheavals.
BAB's curator and scholar Loredana Pazzini-Paracciani pointed out that many places in Southeast Asia and their history could reflect the current situation during the pandemic such as political conflict. However, she believes that BAB 2022 will help to create conversation in Asian society to learn about different cultures and diverse perspectives.
Still, Apinan said this will lead to no change in the socio-economic structure because "we have to face this chaos".
An artwork on display as part of Bangkok Art Biennale 2020. Photo: Somchai Poomlard
Another BAB curator and exhibition director Nigel Hurst said that chaos and calm reflect the planet and relationships. Yet, he opined that it is difficult to measure the progress of societies and cultures when a crisis is undermined by political violence.
Hurst wonders "how capitalism works in the economic structure in response to climate change" and "how the developing world will understand traditional cultures and learn how to live, to survive". Seemingly, BAB in 2022 "reflects where we are now".
Meanwhile, technology has been a critically important tool to support access in contemporary art and the creative industries in the post-pandemic world. It also offers artists new mediums to create and share their work.
BAB will therefore launch a new venue, the BAB Virtual Space, to create a digital realm where the international community can engage with the Biennale. It hopes to offer new possibilities for co-existence in the future.
BAB held an open call for its artist programme earlier this month. The programme has received an overwhelming response from 300 professional artists from around the world who submitted portfolios to be considered for this upcoming exhibition.
The final results will be announced in January.
Panellists discuss the theme of Bangkok Art Biennale 2022. Malisa Milinthangkul
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