Anish Kapoor - a Bangkok Art Biennale 2020 guide

I spent two years eagerly anticipating Bangkok Art Biennale 2020 because the inaugural biennale in 2018 was outstanding! I was brand new to this sprawling shiny city, and by visiting the exhibitions, I had the best tour of Bangkok. Two years later, I still talk about pieces from 2018. 

One of the standout artists from this Biennale is Anish Kapoor. How lucky are we that we get to experience three of his pieces in three different and gorgeous locations? Since the unveiling of Cloud Gate (2006), a genuinely breathtaking mirrored sculpture in Chicago's Millennium Park, he's been a favorite artist of mine. He continues to attract attention with pieces like, The Slide at the ArcelorMittal Orbit, a 40-second slide that twists and turns while showing off London's sensational skyline.

Anish Kapoor, known for his biomorphic sculptures that explore negative space, was born in Mumbai but currently works and lives in London. His pieces are bold, engineering masterpieces that use a variety of materials from wax to mirrors. Written on his studio wall is 'Don't think, do it!'. He has developed a strict practice of going to his studio every day to work, in which small breakthroughs occur. How inspiring! 

Anish Kapoor, Bangkok Art Biennale

(Map located at the end)

Let's start at The PARQ (MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, 15th floor via the East Wing Lobby), which boasts more than 25 pieces by 16 artists. In one room, you'll stumble upon Alice and Sphere, inspired by Alice in Wonderland. These pieces take you on a journey of self-discovery through darkness and reflection. Enjoy the trip and good luck finding your way out! 

Next, let's go to Wat Pho (MRT Sanam Chai), to be awed by Push/Pull (2009), made from five tons of glittering gold and cinnamon red wax (a Buddhist color symbolizing void and invisibility). Mimicking the rhythmic push/pull of vipassana meditative breathing, it reminds us of life/blood, gravity/tension, and mother/nature. It fills the space with a feeling teetering between smooth seduction and tortuous threat. The art docent said it took one month to build inside Sermon Hall. Wat Pho costs 200baht to enter. Please note if your knees or shoulders are showing, you will need to put on a scarf or skirt before entering. 

While you're here, don't miss Invisible World (2020) by Thai artist Uttaporn Nimmalaikaew (personally one of my favorite pieces from the entire Bangkok Biennale), and the famous Reclining Buddha.

The final location is Wat Arun, which can be reached easily by a 4baht ferry across the street. Sky Mirror (2015) in the gardens of Wat Arun is a cloud lover’s dream. I visited this piece three times in hopes of taking the perfect cloud photograph. On my first attempt, the clouds disappeared before I arrived, the second time featured that perfect shade of sky blue, and on the third, I was lucky enough to see a few hovering clouds. Even without clouds, this mirror sculpture is stunning. I love how it interacts with both environment and people, no two seconds alike, a constant shifting of perspective. Wat Arun costs 100baht to enter. Please note if your knees or shoulders are showing, you will need to put on a scarf or skirt before entering. 

Art Date - with yourself, a friend, or a lover!

(map included after this section) 

I would start on the 15th floor of The PARQ, then take the MRT from Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre to Sanam Chai (about 30 minutes). Inside Sanam Chai MRT station is Thailand's first underground museum, which showcases the rich history of the area featuring artifacts found during the train station's construction. 

Walk to Siam Museum, where you'll discover and learn about Thai history (past and present). There are also 11 pieces from the Bangkok Art Biennale, with two pieces in the back behind the cafe, near the back exit.

From here, I would explore the fantastic streets leading to Wat Pho. I adore old neighborhoods; keep an eye out for the super quick fingers of the garlic peeler! Do treat yourself to an incredible foot massage at Chetawan Traditional Massage School (seriously one of the best foot massages ever!), then have a butterfly pea inspired drink at Blue Whale Cafe. 

Next, walk to Wat Pho, enjoy art and the Reclining Buddha before taking the ferry across to Wat Arun, my favorite Wat in Bangkok. 

You are probably hungry, and if you started later in the day, it's near sunset. I recommend taking the ferry back and heading to one of the restaurants on the river with views of Wat Arun for sunset cocktails and dinner. You have many options, but I can confirm that Arun Riverside has gorgeous views and vegan options. I walked to four restaurants on the river, and none of them could accommodate a vegan. It's also an excellent opportunity to experience Sky Mirror (the Anish Kapoor piece at Wat Arun) from up high, an unexpected treat for sure! 

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Bangkok Art Biennale is on view until January 31, 2021. Don't miss your chance to explore Bangkok and engage with local and international art in these iconic landmarks! 

Here is a handy map! Please note from point A to point B, you will take the MRT, from Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre to Sanam Chai, not walk as the map suggests.