The Bangkok Art Biennale (BAB) Foundation has revealed that 15 artworks by artists from Southeast Asia are going to the well-known City of Canals in Italy.
'The Spirits of Maritime Crossing,' a side event of the 60th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, will display 15 artworks by artists from Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, and other places from April 20 to November 24.
Selected by Prof. Dr Apinan Poshyananda, it includes paintings, sculptures, mixed media works, and video installations.
'The Spirits of Maritime Crossing' focuses on themes of displacement, diaspora, colonialism, and cultural hybrids across Southeast Asia, particularly related to water and maritime journeys.
Participating artists feature established and emerging talents such as Marina Abramović (Serbia/USA), Pichet Klunchun (Thailand), Priyageetha Dia (Singapore), and others.
A new film by Abramović and dancer Pichet showcases her spirit traveling from Venice to Bangkok and encountering the Monkey King played by Klunchun.
The work explores the connection between these two cities, often known as 'Venice of the West' and the 'Venice of the East' respectively.
BAB Founder and Chairman Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi views the exhibition as an opportunity to showcase the artistic significance of the ASEAN region to a global audience.
He believes it will enhance the value of the creative economy and promote creative tourism in Southeast Asia.
Italy and Thailand: a historical connection
Paolo Dionisi, the Italian ambassador to Thailand, emphasized the long-established relationship between the two countries, mentioning the influence of Italian artist Silpa Bhirasri on the Thai art scene and King Rama V’s admiration for Venetian aesthetics.
The artworks delve into the complexities of historical encounters, with Jompet Kuswidananto's work evoking shattered dreams and Alwin Reamillo exploring cultural currents through found objects.
Natee Utarit combines Buddhist philosophy with Western art history, while Bounpaul Phothyzan addresses the wounds of war through sculptures of discarded bombshells.
Other artists address themes of identity, migration, and environmental concerns. Khvay Samnang’s dancers reference the Ramayana, Yee I-Lann collaborates with local communities, and Moe Satt uses his body as a canvas to explore identity.
Priyageetha Dia examines ancestral migrations, and Kawita Vatanajyankur highlights female labor in the textile industry.
'The Spirits of Maritime Crossing' is expected to be a stimulating exhibition that encourages discussions about cultural exchange, historical legacies, and the human experience across borders.
By Thai PBS World Feature Desk//Photo courtesy of BAB
