i was told that Bangkok has an amazing art scene. very original, highly individualistic, expressive and unlike any other art scene anywhere else. but this really wins the prize for originality. i went to Bangkok Art and Culture Center (BACC). brand new modern building, prime location. the description in "Bangkok 101" magazine read: "Guggenheim meets shopping mall." that sounded a bit strange but i went anyway.
apparently this art center project was the brain child of the previous mayor of bangkok.
he really wanted to put the city's art scene on the map. except for he decided to dedicate 3 floors of the center to, uhm, shopping malls, in order to finance the project.
and i don't mean just a design shop inside a contemporary art museum.
this resulted in major protests from all prominent thai artists. they have organized a series of events and a massive march around the city carrying pieces of canvas with artwork created to oppose the art/shopping center. the artist were joined by students, vendors, and just passers-by to support the cause.
the end result? a modern art center building that has been operational for a few years now. unadorned by any art whatsoever. empty. with sleepy guards hanging around on each floor.
the only exhibit on display is hosted at the 9th floor gallery. a massive space, floors and walls covered by heaps of canvas squares featuring all that makeshift art created in protest to having shopping malls at the art center.
so art wins! Thai style. very original. and unlike anywhere else.
more pix of BACC
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