Angels and Mara: Bangkok Art Biennale 2026 Theme Revealed for the 'City of Angels'

 The Bangkok Art Biennale (BAB) is set to transform Thailand’s capital once again with the announcement of its fifth edition, BAB 2026. Running from October 29, 2026, to February 28, 2027, the event promises to be a stunning spectacle under the compelling theme, Angels and Mara.

A Theme for Our Times: Angels and Mara

In a world gripped by conflict, political division, and environmental crises, the lines between right and wrong often blur. The BAB 2026 theme, Angels and Mara, explores this essential tension—the struggle between the forces of light and darkness.

The theme takes inspiration from two powerful, contrasting concepts:

• Angels (angelos, divine messengers) symbolize hope and protection.

• Mara (in Buddhist cosmology) represents desire, death, and the darker sides of human nature.

Set against the backdrop of Krung Thep, the famed "City of Angels," the biennale offers artists a poignant stage to reflect on the contradictions and resilience defining our current age. Organized by the Bangkok Art Biennale Foundation in collaboration with Thai Beverage Plc.  (ThaiBev), BAB 2026 will bring contemporary art into dialogue with the city’s rich history.

Curating the Vision

The exhibition will be shaped by an international team of art leaders, ensuring a platform for innovation and critical dialogue. Prof. Dr. Apinan Poshyananda (Chief Executive and Artistic Director, Bangkok Art Biennale) leads the curatorial vision.

He is joined by:

• Adulaya Hoontrakul (Director, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre)

• Rémy Jarry (Lecturer, Chulalongkorn University)

• Melanie Pocock (Artistic Director of Exhibitions, Ikon Gallery)

• Kulapat Yantrasast (Founder and Creative Director, WHY Architecture)

The BAB 2026 Artist Lineup: Your First Look

The biennale promises an incredible range of talent, bringing together celebrated masters and fresh voices from across the globe. Prepare to see thought-provoking installations, bold performances, and striking paintings from this initial group of fifteen participating artists and collectives:

• Sun Yuan & Peng Yu (China): Known for their large-scale, often controversial installations, this dynamic duo challenges our perceptions of life, death, and morality.

• Yasumasa Morimura (Japan): A master of self-portraiture and appropriation, Morimura transforms himself into figures from art history and pop culture, offering a sharp critique of Western gaze and identity.

• Mel Chin (US): A conceptual artist who merges art with social commentary and environmental activism, his work often demands a response to global issues.

• Piero Golia (Italy): Expect the unexpected from Golia, whose work often involves performance, sculpture, and large-scale pranks that blur the lines between art and reality.

• Mandy El-Sayegh (UK): Her densely layered paintings and installations feature fragmented imagery and text, exploring how media, history, and personal memory collide.

• Gerard & Kelly (France/USA): This acclaimed artistic duo creates mesmerizing performance pieces and choreographed installations that explore movement, architecture, and social structures.

• Htein Lin (Myanmar): A former political prisoner, Lin uses his art—often created from found objects—to recount his experiences, sharing powerful stories of resilience and resistance.

• Sonia Hamza (France): Her work often dives into photography and installation, questioning collective memory, historical narratives, and the immigrant experience.

• Shin Min (Korea): An artist celebrated for pushing boundaries, particularly within digital media and conceptual art, who often addresses contemporary urban life.

• Mahtab Hussain & Guy Gunaratne (UK): This powerful collaboration between a photographer and an author focuses on marginalized communities, identity, and the complexities of the British Asian experience.

The list also proudly features several compelling voices from the host country, including Thai artists: Mary Pakinee, Kornkarn Rungsawang, Teerapon Sisung, and renowned photographer Manit Sriwanichpoom, alongside Myanmar artist Ri, ensuring a rich and layered Southeast Asian perspective.

Bridging History and the Modern City

BAB 2026 will once again turn Bangkok into a city-wide gallery, exhibiting works across a stunning range of venues. The biennale creates a dialogue between past and present by showcasing contemporary art in both modern cultural hubs and revered historical sites.

Exhibition locations will include:

• Contemporary Hubs: The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) and the innovative urban development One Bangkok.

• Revered Heritage Sites: Iconic temples like Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), and Wat Prayoon (Temple of Iron Fences).

• Cultural Institutions: Museum Siam, the National Museum, and the National Gallery.

By weaving modern art into sacred and historical spaces, the BAB 2026 promises fresh perspectives and meaningful encounters for visitors exploring the vibrant life of Thailand's capital.