Beyond the White Box: ‘The Spirits of Maritime Crossing’ Returns to Venice for 2026
As the 61st Venice Biennale prepares to open, Bangkok Art Biennale (BAB) takes center stage at the historic Palazzo Rocca Contarini Corfù, amplifying the "Minor Keys" of Southeast
VENICE, ITALY — While the traditional national pavilions of the Giardini often operate like diplomatic outposts, a more fluid and evocative dialogue is unfolding on the banks of the Grand Canal. The Bangkok Art Biennale Foundation, supported by ThaiBev and One Bangkok, has officially announced the return of The Spirits of Maritime Crossing (SMC 2026) as a prestigious Collateral Event of the 61st International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia.
Running from May 9 to August 2, 2026, the exhibition—curated by Prof. Dr. Apinan Poshyananda—transforms the 13th-century Gothic splendor of Palazzo Rocca Contarini Corfù into a sanctuary for the displaced, the marginalized, and the spiritual.
The ‘Minor Keys’ of Southeast Asia
The 2026 edition features 20 artists from Southeast Asia and beyond, including Serbia and Ireland. The theme directly responds to the main Biennale’s focus, In Minor Keys, which highlights voices that are often drowned out by the "Major Keys" of global superpowers.
"We are bringing the hum of the voiceless from distant places to Venice," says Prof. Dr. Apinan Poshyananda. "In a world shaken by conflict and environmental detriment, we are shifting into a slower gear. Through film, performance, and installation, viewers will experience a meditative journey that traces the spirits of those who have crossed oceans—not just as travelers, but as survivors of colonization and diaspora."
A Spiritual Odyssey: Marina Abramović and Pichet Klunchun
At the heart of the exhibition is a profound collaboration between performance legend Marina Abramović and Thai choreographer Pichet Klunchun. The centerpiece film, The Spirits of Maritime Crossing Part II, follows these two icons on a spiritual pilgrimage between Venice and Bangkok.
For Abramović, the project is deeply personal. Her featured video work, Sea Punishing (2005)—a haunting reference to King Xerxes "punishing" the sea—serves as a tribute to the lives lost in the Andaman Sea tsunami.
"This experience was most challenging and contemplative," Abramović shares. "The theme explores the painful journeys of colonization and migration. Performing in the temples of Bangkok alongside Pichet Klunchun allowed us to explore the solitude and transcendence that comes from these maritime crossings."
Navigating Global Fragility
The exhibition doesn’t shy away from the urgent crises of the 2020s. From ecological collapse to the "Soft Power" of cultural identity, the featured works offer a "quiet resistance" against global turmoil:
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Ecological Anxiety: Singaporean artist Ong Kian Peng utilizes AI-generated imagery to envision a submerged Singapore, drawing a direct parallel to the fragile future of Venice.
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Ancient Trade & Modern Ruin: Wasinburee Supanichvoraparch and Torlarp Larpjaroensook explore the "Venice of the East" mythos through ceramics and "spiritual spaceships," bridging the historical gap between Ayutthaya and the Adriatic.
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Voiceless Resilience: In a poignant collaboration, Irish artist Amanda Coogan presents Ode to Joy – Thai Sign Language, featuring a silent choir of Thai youth with hearing disabilities—a moment of profound hope in a noisy world.
Why It Matters
For the Thai creative community, this isn't just an art show; it’s a masterclass in Soft Power. While superpowers face budget cuts and political protests, BAB’s presence in Venice proves that cultural influence isn't bought—it’s built through consistency and intellectual depth.
As Dr. Apinan noted in our recent interview, "Art isn't a luxury; it’s a way to speak when politics fail." By placing Southeast Asian spirits within a 13th-century Venetian palazzo, The Spirits of Maritime Crossing ensures that our region’s "minor keys" are heard loud and clear on the world’s most influential stage.
Exhibition Details
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Title: The Spirits of Maritime Crossing 2026
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Curator: Prof. Dr. Apinan Poshyananda
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Venue: Palazzo Rocca Contarini Corfù, Venice
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Dates: 9 May 2026 – 2 August 2026
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Featured Artists: Marina Abramović, Pichet Klunchun, Ong Kian Peng, Wasinburee Supanichvoraparch, Martha Atienza, Ruangsak Anuwatwimon, and more.
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Official Website: smc.bkkartbiennale.com
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