Thailand Biennale 2025 Explores Phuket's Complex Realities Beyond Tourism
The fourth Thailand Biennale, titled 'Eternal [Kalpa]', is being held until April 30, 2026, at 19 locations throughout Phuket. Curated by Hera Chan, the event seeks to challenge the idyllic portrayal of the island by highlighting local histories, environmental concerns, and economic truths. Notable exhibits include 'IS YOUR TIME' (2017/2024) by Ryuichi Sakamoto and Shiro Takatani, displayed in a municipal gym, as well as new works addressing land-rights issues faced by the Urak Lawoi community. Eiji Sumi's 'Whisper of the Forest' (2025) features LED lights in mangrove settings. The biennale critiques tourism, showcasing TOQA's batik fashion and pieces related to Phuket's sex industry, while Serene Hui's installation at a Taoist shrine reflects on Chinese diasporic history. Delays in installations also comment on the contrast between bureaucratic and island time. Funded by Thailand's culture ministry, the event encompasses a variety of venues.
Key facts
- The fourth Thailand Biennale runs through 30 April 2026
- Titled 'Eternal [Kalpa]', it spans 19 venues across Phuket
- Cocurator Hera Chan describes it as a 'decentralizing gesture'
- Features Ryuichi Sakamoto and Shiro Takatani's 'IS YOUR TIME' (2017/2024)
- Includes new commissions addressing Urak Lawoi community land-rights conflicts
- Examines tourism's impact on Thailand's economy and ecologies
- Presents works at Pearl Theatre about Phuket's sex industry
- Funded by a division of Thailand's government culture ministry
Entities
Artists
- Ryuichi Sakamoto
- Shiro Takatani
- Chatpong Chuenrudeemol
- Eakapob Huangthanapan
- Eiji Sumi
- Noémie Goudal
- Riar Rizaldi
- Imhathai Suwatthanasilp
- Oat Montien
- Serene Hui
- Hera Chan
- Aleksandra Domanović
- Alex Monteith
- Maree Sheehan
- Apiwat Thongyoun
- Andrew Thomas Huang
- Ampannee Satoh
- Anuwat Apimukmongkon
- Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook
- Ariane Sutthavong
- Ayoung Kim
- bani haykal
- Chantana Tiprachart
- Doloh Chetae
- Haig Aivazian
- Ibrahim Mahama
- Kamol Phaosavasdi
- Kite
- Koneksi Tamalanrea
- Lek Kiatsirikajorn
- Luana Vitra
- Megan Cope
- Melati Suryodarmo
- Minnette de Silva
- Mochu
- Merve Ertufan
- Nathalie Muchamad
- Nirmala Dutt
- Niwat Manatpiyalert
- Nolan Oswald Dennis
- Oliver Laric
- Pauline Curnier Jardin
- Feel Good Cooperative
- Pitupong Chaowakul
- Pratchaya Phinthong
- Robert Zhao Renhui
- Rossella Biscotti
- Rungruang Sittirerk
- Ryue Nishizawa
- Santi Lawrachawee
- Saroot Supasuthivech
- Supapong Laodheerasiri
- Supitcha Tovivich
- Speedy Grandma
- Taiki Sakpisit
- Taloi Havini
- Taeko Tomiyama
- Thuy Tien Nguyen
- TOQA
- Tsai Ming-Liang
- Tun Win Aung
- Wah Nu
- Wilawan Wiangthong
- Woraphob Tantinantakul
- Wu Chi-Yu
- Wu Tsang
- Yim Maline
- Zhao Yao
- Zheng Mahler
- Arin Rungjang
- David Teh
- Marisa Phandharakrajadej
- Isabel Sicat
- Maline Yim
- Oat Montien (Pattanapong Muntheun)
- Tomiyama Taeko
- Tsai Ming-liang
- Avena Montien
- Francis Light
- Thapanee Kiatphaibool
- Adela Lovric
- Juan Pablo García Sossa
- Merv Espina
- Laura Campaz
- Isola Tong
- Transmediale Research Netting Group
- Hoo Fan Chon
- Moe Satt
- Sarnt Utamachote
- Wisanu Phu-artdun
- Natthapong Samakkaew
- Manika Tejapaibul
- Bussaraporn Thongchai
- Krisanta Caguioa-Mönnich
- Rosalia Namsai Engchuan
- Marisa Phandharakradej
- Virginie Puertolas-Syn
Institutions
- Thailand Biennale
- Thailand's culture ministry
- TOQA
- Simon Cabaret
- ArtReview Asia
- Office of Contemporary Art and Culture
- Ministry of Culture, Thailand
- UNESCO
- Thai Ministry of Culture’s Office of Contemporary Art and Culture
- Ministry of Culture (Thailand)
- Tourism Authority of Thailand
- Compagnia britannica delle Indie orientali (East India Company)
- Thailand Biennale Phuket
- Un.thai.tled
- Barbansan
- Baan Market
- Mellow Pillow Hotel
- Baan Turtle Phuket
- Chao Fah Power Station
- Pearl Theater
- Feel Good Cooperative
- Empower Foundation
- Thailand's Ministry of Culture
- Ban Ying
- Berlinartlink.com
- Khao Rang Viewpoint
- Municipal Gymnasium
- Poon Phol Building
- Pearl Theatre
- Kathu Shrine
- Artlyst
Locations
- Phuket
- Thailand
- Bangkok
- Miyagi Prefecture
- Japan
- Manila
- Java
- Kathu
- China
- Promthep Cape
- Krabi
- Korat
- Chiang Rai
- Andaman coast
- Southeast Asia
- Mueang (Phuket City)
- Thalang
- Andaman Sea
- Malay Peninsula
- Siam
- Berlin
- Germany
- Ghana
- Venice
- Italy
- Frankfurt
- Taunusstraße
- Patpong
- Andaman
- Congo
- Indonesia