Khao Yai Art Forest presents “Farewell to Maman,” a Weekend Celebration of Louise Bourgeois’s Iconic Sculpture in Its Final Days in Thailand
Khao Yai Art Forest warmly invites you to “Farewell to Maman”, a special weekend celebrating the final days of Louise Bourgeois’s world-renowned sculpture in Thailand. Join us for two days of immersive art, communal workshops, and performances set against the serene embrace of nature.
Since its arrival in February, Maman, the monumental spider by French-American artist Louise Bourgeois, has captivated visitors worldwide. Conceived for Tate Modern in 1999, this beloved work is one of only seven editions worldwide and made its first Southeast Asian appearance in 25 years in February at Khao Yai Art Forest. Other editions reside in prestigious institutions including Tate Modern (UK), Guggenheim Museum Bilbao (Spain), Mori Art Museum (Japan), and the National Gallery of Canada.
A symbol of nurture and protection, Maman evokes the tender strength of motherhood—like a spider patiently weaving a web for her young. Nestled within Khao Yai’s mountainous landscape and lush vegetation, the installation sparks an extraordinary dialogue between art, nature, and humanity.
Highlights at “Farewell to Maman”
To mark the sculpture’s monumental departure, Khao Yai Art Forest will host “Farewell to Maman” on August 16–17, 2025. The weekend will feature a vibrant series of workshops, performances, andcommunal activities designed to make this farewell both a restorative and memorable experience. Our diverse range of thoughtfully curated activities include:
Viewing of Maman by Louise Bourgeois: Experience Bourgeois’s world-renowned sculpture before it returns to the Easton Foundation in New York City.
Full Access to Khao Yai Art Forest: Wander through the forest trails and explore internationally acclaimed installations, including Fujiko Nakaya’s Khao Yai Fog Forest and Elmgreen & Dragset’s K-BAR.
Awe-inspiring Khon Performance by Jitti Chompee: Enjoy “Melancholy of Mandodari,” an extraordinary Khon performance by Jitti Chompee and the masters from the Fine Arts Department. Staged in a forest, the performance blends classical Thai mask dance with contemporary choreography to tell the poignant tale of Mandodari (Montho) from the Ramayana.
Eco-Printing Workshop: Discover the delicate art of eco-printing with natural materials. In this hands-on session, participants will create unique botanical prints, exploring the vibrant hues and intricate patterns of Khao Yai’s flora.
Live Music Performance: On Saturday, Temp._in_set guides audiences through immersive ambient soundscapes and experimental sonic textures. On Sunday, Plern Vern ignites the forest with electrifying rhythms, blending traditional Isan folk beats with contemporary music.
“Mandala” Making: Embrace meditative creativity by arranging floral mandalas, a symbolic farewell to Maman and a gesture of respect to the earth.
Taste of Khao Yai’s Local Cuisine: Savor community-sourced dishes and desserts, each infused with the distinctive flavors and culinary heritage of the Khao Yai region.
Farewell to Maman Photo Competition
To capture the final memory of iconic sculpture, Khao Yai Art Forest invites everyone to take part in the “Farewell to Maman” photo contest.
The rules are simple: just capture Maman from your favorite angle and post the photo on Instagram with the hashtag #farewelltomaman for a chance to win special prizes.
1st Place: 20,000 Baht
10 Runners-up: 5,000 Baht
10 Honorable Mentions: 2 admission tickets to Khao Yai Art Forest, with lunch or dinner included. Tickets are transferable and valid until 28 December 2025.
Entries are welcome from today until August 17, 2025.
Come say goodbye to Maman and capture this impressive moment together.
Program & Ticket
Farewell to Maman
Date: August 16-17, 2025
Venue: Khao Yai Art Forest
Time
General Admission: 10.00 – 19.00 hrs.
Dinner: Begins at 19.00 hrs.
Tickets
General admission: 1,500 Baht
Admission with Dinner: 4,500 Baht
Note: Dinner is a special activity with limited availability. Advance reservation is required.
Buy tickets today at: www.ticketmelon.com/kyaf/farewelltomaman/
Get updates or more information from:
Instagram: khao_yai_art_forest
Facebook: Khao Yai Art Forest
Tel: 085-501-4886
