Chiang Mai's Art for Air Exhibition Confronts City's Severe Pollution Crisis
The Art for Air exhibition ran from February 14 to April 30, 2021, across 12 locations in Chiang Mai, Thailand, focusing on the critical issue of air pollution. Organized by the Breathe Council, the event showcased more than 80 pieces created by Thai artists in response to PM2.5 particulate matter. A prominent five-meter banner by Piyarat Piyapongwiwat at the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre proclaimed, 'Chiang Mai is a disaster zone.' Featured works included installations by Kamin Lertchaiprasert, a massive sculpture by Wannawit Patteep, and performance videos from Kawita Vatanajyankur. The exhibition aimed to raise awareness about pollution stemming from agricultural burning and vehicle emissions, highlighting Chiang Mai's reputation as one of the most polluted cities globally.
Key facts
- Art for Air ran from February 14 to April 30, 2021 in Chiang Mai, Thailand
- The exhibition featured over 80 artworks across 12 venues
- Organized by the Breathe Council, a civil-society clean air movement
- PM2.5 particulate pollution blankets Chiang Mai province annually
- 80–90% of smoke comes from controlled fires in conserved forests and national reserves
- Piyarat Piyapongwiwat's banner declared 'Chiang Mai is a disaster zone'
- Kamin Lertchaiprasert installed a sculpture of Greta Thunberg with her 'Our house is on fire' sign
- Wannawit Patteep created a sculpture of a blinded, burnt palm civet found in April 2020
Entities
Artists
- Piyarat Piyapongwiwat
- Kamin Lertchaiprasert
- Wannawit Patteep
- Kawita Vatanajyankur
- Rirkrit Tiravanija
- Sutthirat Supaparinya
- Sanitas Pradittasnee
- Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook
- Apichatpong Weerasethakul
- Pen-ek Ratanaruang
- Greta Thunberg
Institutions
- Breathe Council
- Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre
- Dreamspace Gallery
- Chiang Mai Historical Centre
- Jing Jai Warehouse
- Gallery Seescape
Locations
- Chiang Mai
- Thailand
- Bangkok