Thailand Biennale's Second Edition in Korat Blends Permanent Artworks with Bureaucratic Challenges

The second Thailand Biennale, titled 'Butterflies Frolicking on the Mud: Engendering Sensible Capital,' took place in Korat, Thailand, from 18 December 2021 to 31 March 2022. Curated by Yuko Hasegawa, the event showcased 53 artists hailing from 25 different nations, emphasizing the concept of 'social common capital' as proposed by economist Hirofumi Uzawa. Notable permanent installations included Assume Vivid Astro Focus's redesign of a skate park, Sandra Cinto's 'The Wishes Boulevard,' and Krit Ngamsom's 'Queen Cat.' At Rajamangala University, 22 pieces were displayed, featuring Elias Sime's sculptures and Yanyun Chen's 'False Truths.' The Phimai National Museum exhibited nine works, including Montien Boonma's 'Nature's Breath.' Hasegawa's vision faced challenges from bureaucratic interference by the Ministry of Culture, logistical complications impacted artwork placements, and ecological themes failed to address local sociopolitical contexts.