Showing 1 - 8 of 8
Getting soft power right
Life, Published on 08/01/2024
» After three months in office, the Srettha Thavisin government has raved on about populist policies in the guise of digital wallets and soft power projects that will create income to boost our declining economy. With optimism, we learned that Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Pheu Thai party leader and head of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee (NSPSC), has drafted a budget of 5.1 billion baht to boost festivals and creative industries. It is welcoming news to hear this government is priortising art, music, literature, design, fashion, film, food, games, sports and festivals as essential sources for the creative economy. Where this enormous chunk of budget will come from, like digital wallets, remains to be seen.
After chaos comes calm
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 08/11/2022
» The third edition of Bangkok Art Biennale 2022 (BAB 2022) with its theme "Chaos: Calm" reflects obstacles that mankind encountered during the Covid-19 pandemic. Both chaos and calm are temporary states that are interchangeable according to situations and conditions.
Frolicking in Korat
Life, Apinan Poshyananda, Published on 14/03/2022
» Postponed since 2020 due to Covid-19, Thailand Biennale had a grandiose opening last December in Pak Chong and Phimai in Nakhon Ratchasima. Held under the themes of "Butterflies Frolicking On The Mud: Engendering Sensible Capital", "Nature Reigns Supreme In The World. Art Is Having Freedom In One Self" and "Soeng Sin Thin Ya Mo" (Celebration Of Art In The Land Of Ya Mo), the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture (OCAC), Ministry of Culture and Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) co-hosted the events with a budget of over 120 million baht.
Building them up
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 02/01/2019
» Construction workers are usually overlooked even though their work is fundamental to the building of cities. To shine a spotlight on them, German photographer Ralf Tooten exhibits construction-worker portraits in his exhibition "A.W.C. -- Asian Workers Covered", as a reminder of how and by whom Thailand's cities have been built.
Bangkok is turning into a giant art gallery
Bloomberg News, Published on 23/10/2018
» Bangkok is renowned for street food and shopping delights as well as notorious nightlife, but the latest effort to woo tourists aims for the cultural high ground by turning the metropolis into an art gallery.
In the heart of the city
Life, Published on 22/11/2017
» It's often said that the success of an art biennale, which, by definition, makes selections and therefore excludes, can also be found in the success of the "off", which utilises and gathers the energy of those not selected. Last Friday Apinan Poshyananda, chief executive and artistic director of the Bangkok Art Biennale (BAB 2018), announced the first 15 artists -- of more than 70 planned -- who will participate in the citywide show, whose venues include historic temples and modern galleries.
Remembering King Rama IX
Life, Published on 29/08/2017
» More than 160 rare artworks by leading Thai artists of various generations, as well as precious collectibles related to King Bhumibol are displayed during the "Remembrance Of The Great King" exhibition at the Main Gallery, 8th floor of Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, Pathumwan intersection, until Nov 26.
The Saatchi Gallery has its eye on Thailand
Life, Usnisa Sukhsvasti, Published on 09/12/2015
» The Saatchi Gallery in London is currently keeping an eye on Thai contemporary artists with the exhibition "Thailand Eye Presented By Prudential". This first major showcase of contemporary Thai art in the UK is the final instalment in a series of three cultural events to mark the 60th birthday of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, beginning with a khon performance at the Royal Albert Hall and the Thai Film Festival at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts in June this year.