Laotian Contemporary Art Gains International and Domestic Exposure
This fall, artists from Laos are presented with chances to connect with broader audiences. Three of them will showcase their work at the 9th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT9) at QAGOMA in Brisbane, which opens in late November. Tcheu Siong will display textile creations, Bounpaul Phothyzan will exhibit a bombshell artifact titled Lie of the Land (2017), and Souliya Phoumivong will present clay buffalo sculptures. Meanwhile, Vientiane will host two events: Elevations Laos, supported by the Spellbrook Foundation and curated by Erin Gleeson, and Lao Art Season, curated by Misouda Heuangsoukkhoun. Elevations promotes interaction with Southeast Asian artists, while Lao Art Season engages with Thailand's Isaan region. APT9 is scheduled from 24 November to 28 April; Elevations Laos from 9 November to 1 January; and Lao Art Season from 18 October to 8 December.
Key facts
- Three Laotian artists participate in APT9 at QAGOMA, Brisbane, opening late November.
- Tcheu Siong presents large-scale textile works inspired by dreams and Hmong folk patterns.
- Bounpaul Phothyzan shows a bombshell relic from the US 'Secret War' bombings, planted with flowers.
- Souliya Phoumivong assembles an installation with clay buffaloes symbolizing Laotian identity.
- Inaugural Elevations Laos exhibition and art prize funded by Spellbrook Foundation, organized by Erin Gleeson.
- Lao Art Season curated by Misouda Heuangsoukkhoun connects with Thailand's Isaan region.
- Laotian artists operate on two circuits: state-approved neotraditional and critical contemporary art.
- APT9 runs 24 November to 28 April; Elevations Laos 9 November to 1 January; Lao Art Season 18 October to 8 December.
Entities
Artists
- Tcheu Siong
- Bounpaul Phothyzan
- Souliya Phoumivong
- Hongsa Khotsouvanh
- Tiao David (Nith) Somsanith
- Mick Saylom
- Erin Gleeson
- Misouda Heuangsoukkhoun
Institutions
- Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA)
- Spellbrook Foundation
- i:an Gallery
- ArtReview Asia
Locations
- Laos
- Brisbane
- Australia
- Vientiane
- Luang Prabang
- Northern Thailand
- Isaan
- Singapore