The Bangkok Art Biennale will bring together 73 artists from 35 countries, as Thailand makes its stamp as an essential cultural destination

The third edition of Bangkok Art Biennale (BAB) 2022 is set to return from Oct 22 to Feb 23. Under the theme of "Chaos: Calm", BAB will showcase over 200 art pieces by 73 artists from 35 countries at 12 venues in Bangkok including Wat Pho, Wat Arun, the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Museum Siam, JWD Art Space and CentralWorld

Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi, founder and chairman of Bangkok Art Biennale Foundation, said BAB 2022 takes place during a special occasion since Thailand will host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit 2022 in November.

"BAB is an important project with artistic, cultural and economic value. It was launched in 2018 and has aimed to drive Bangkok to become a world's top tourism centre for contemporary art and a major destination for art enthusiasts worldwide. During Apec, we will have a chance to showcase the wonderful masterpieces from renowned local and international artists to all delegates and representatives participating in the meetings," said Thapana.

Bangkok deputy governor Sanon Wangsrangboon said that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration aimed to make Bangkok one of the world's top 50 most liveable cities in the next four years.

"To achieve the goal, the BMA has to develop Bangkok in many aspects including education, art, culture and tourism. The BMA's festival economy is a policy to attract tourists to help boost the country's economy. By selecting, categorising and utilising distinctive features, each festival will highlight the identities and potential of every district across Bangkok to tell unique stories about each particular neighbourhood. During the month of the Creative Arts Festival, Bangkok Art Biennale, as a major international art festival, will be the key event that BMA is proud to co-host," Sanon said.

Prof Apinan Poshyananda, chief executive and artistic director of Bangkok Art Biennale, unveiled headliners and explained what they will bring to BAB. The long line-up includes Marina Abramovic, Antony Gormley, Tom Sachs, Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya, Jan Kath, Satu ≠ Padu Collaborative, Kawita Vatanajyankur and Uninspired By Current Events.

Abramovic, the 74-year-old Serbian conceptual and performance artist, was awarded the Golden Lion for Best Artist at the 1997 Venice Biennale.

"Abramovic selected her impressive performances to present on 10 screens at BAB. The performances will be categorised to fit with the theme either 'Chaos' or 'Calm'. Abramovic will be in Bangkok for a special lecture in January," said Apinan.