As art becomes an increasingly integral part of contemporary lifestyles, galleries, exhibitions and art fairs are evolving into destinations for those seeking fresh perspectives, creative inspiration and meaningful cultural experiences. This growing enthusiasm is also creating new opportunities for artists, galleries and cultural organisations to connect with audiences, while strengthening ties between local and international art communities.
Adding to Bangkok’s evolving cultural landscape is art bangkok 2026 — The First Chapter, a new international art fair taking place from 7–11 October 2026 at NEX Hall and Art Jewel, 5th Floor, Siam Paragon.
Organised by the Thai Galleries Association (TGA) in collaboration with The Cloud, with UOB as Lead Partner and Siam Paragon as venue partner, the inaugural fair brings together a diverse collection of artistic expressions across more than 1,500 square metres of exhibition space.
From established names and emerging talents represented by galleries across Thailand and beyond to works from public and private art collections, the fair offers much more than an opportunity to admire exceptional art. Visitors are also invited to discover the fascinating world behind the artworks, from collecting and conservation to specialist logistics and installation.
Together, these experiences offer a closer look at the interconnected art ecosystem and the people, institutions and expertise that help sustain its growth.
Here are some of the highlights worth exploring.
Discover Artistic Perspectives from Thailand and Beyond
At the heart of the fair is Gallery Zone — Ways of Seeing, a showcase of galleries from Thailand and overseas, each bringing its own artistic vision, creative approach and distinctive use of materials.Among the highlights is South Korean artist Chae Sung-Pil, presented by Gallery Grimson, whose practice draws on one of nature’s most fundamental elements: earth. Using pigments derived from soil, Chae creates works that explore the relationship between humanity, nature and the land, transforming a humble material into a deeply expressive artistic language.
Also worth discovering is Eun Lee, represented by Blue Velvet Underground. Known for her sophisticated exploration of texture and materials, Lee presents works from her Sea series, capturing the ever-changing character of the ocean through ceramic firing, colour and layered glazing techniques. The fair also offers an opportunity to discover a new generation of contemporary artists.
Thai artist Jirawat Wannarattanasilp, represented by M Contemporary Bangkok, presents Sunk (2026), a striking painting in which the interplay of light and shadow across the human form contrasts with vivid blue tones. The resulting sense of depth gives the two-dimensional work an almost sculptural presence.Meanwhile, Sanker Ganesh of Artas Galeri explores the human body as a reflection of exhaustion, burden and resilience, using the figure to communicate the emotional and physical weight of lived experience.
Other notable artists include Natagon Khamkayprong, represented by Richard Koh Fine Art, whose paintings capture familiar scenes from everyday life, from flowers and cafés to people on the streets, transforming ordinary moments into compelling visual narratives.
At Number 1 Gallery, Pat Yingcharoen revisits imagery and references from art history, reinterpreting familiar visual elements through a contemporary lens and inviting audiences to reconsider the relationship between past and present.
Visitors can also explore presentations from a diverse selection of participating galleries, including Art Agenda, Artas Galeri, Artemis Art, Blue Velvet Underground, Gallery CURU, G13 Gallery, Galeri Sasha, Gallery Grimson, Joyman Gallery, KYLA Gallery, L GALLERY, M Contemporary Bangkok, M Contemporary Seoul, Maison JE, Number 1 Gallery, Palette Art Space, Richard Koh Fine Art and WORKS WORKS.
From Rising Stars to Art Legends: Explore the World of Collecting at Art Jewel
Another highlight is Art Jewel, a dedicated space that opens the door to the world of art collecting, bringing together works by promising emerging artists, established contemporary figures and celebrated masters.
Under the theme Past | Present | Future — A Curated Dialogue Across Generations, the exhibition encourages visitors to look beyond individual artworks and consider how artistic ideas, influences and expressions evolve over time. By placing works from different generations in conversation with one another, the presentation reveals the connections between artistic traditions, contemporary interpretations and emerging creative voices.
Among the featured works are pieces by rising Thai talents from the 17th UOB Painting of the Year competition in Thailand, alongside internationally recognised artists such as Millo, whose distinctive imagery explores loneliness and the human experience within rapidly developing urban environments, and Lee Gihun, presented by Dorothy Circus Gallery.
For collectors and art enthusiasts, Bangkok Art Auction, a specialist Thai art auction house, offers an exclusive preview of selected works ahead of its upcoming November Auction. The presentation includes works by some of Thailand’s most celebrated artists, including Chalermchai Kositpipat, Chakrabhand Posayakrit and Thawan Duchanee, alongside contemporary names such as Korakrit Arunanondchai, Crybaby Molly and Gongkan. It is a rare opportunity to encounter works spanning different generations and artistic movements before they enter the auction room.
Beyond Ownership: Discover What It Means to Live with Art
Art collecting is about more than acquiring beautiful objects. It is also about recognising their significance, preserving their stories and ensuring their value endures for future generations.
This philosophy lies at the heart of Museums & Institutions — Living with Art, another compelling presentation at Art Jewel.
The exhibition invites visitors to consider what makes an artwork worthy of entering a collection, how collecting decisions are made and what happens to a piece long after it has been acquired.
Through two specially curated exhibitions, art bangkok brings together perspectives from both public and private collections.
The Office of Contemporary Art and Culture (OCAC) represents the public sector, presenting selected works from its collection, including a highlight by Arnont Nongyao.
Meanwhile, MoNWIC — Museum of Narong Waleeporn Intanate Collection, a private museum, showcases works by Vasan Sitthiket and Tang Mun Kit from the collection of Narong and Waleeporn Intanate.
Together, these presentations offer a more intimate understanding of the philosophy behind collecting. They reveal how the relationship between art and its custodians extends beyond ownership to encompass thoughtful selection, conservation, preservation and the responsibility of safeguarding cultural value.
More importantly, they introduce the idea of living with art as an ongoing relationship — one that allows artworks and their stories to remain relevant across generations.
Behind the Scenes: The Hidden Art of Handling and Conservation
While visitors typically encounter artworks beautifully installed within galleries and exhibitions, few get to see the intricate process involved in bringing them there. From the artist’s studio to an exhibition wall, every artwork undergoes a carefully managed journey requiring specialist knowledge, precision and attention to detail.
At Art Care & Stewardship — Caring for Art, visitors can discover this lesser-known side of the art world through Helutrans Artmove, the fair’s Official Logistics Partner.The presentation explores the specialised processes behind professional art handling, including packing, transportation, installation and the careful movement of valuable works.
One of the featured innovations is the AE System, an art installation system developed in Australia that enables artworks to be securely mounted and displayed while minimising direct contact with the pieces themselves.Beyond the technical aspects, the fair also explores the delicate art of conservation through its Talk Programme.
On 10 October 2026, from 2.00–3.30 PM, Chiraporn Aranyanark, a master conservator, will lead “The Art of Conservation” at the Main Stage, Art Jewel. The session offers insight into the science, craftsmanship and meticulous attention required to preserve artworks, while highlighting the crucial role conservators play in protecting artistic and cultural heritage.
For anyone curious about what it takes to ensure an artwork survives the passage of time, the discussion promises a fascinating perspective on a discipline that often remains behind the scenes.
More Than an Art Fair: A Meeting Point for the Art Ecosystem
Beyond the galleries, exhibitions and individual artworks, perhaps the most meaningful aspect of art bangkok 2026 — The First Chapter is its ambition to bring the wider art community together.
Through Art Ecosystem — Inclusive Art Circle, the fair highlights the interconnected network of individuals and organisations that contribute to a thriving cultural landscape.
From press and media organisations, art prizes and collectors’ communities to professional associations and foundations, each plays a role in supporting artistic development, creating opportunities, sharing knowledge and bringing art closer to wider audiences.
The fair also features a dedicated VIP Lounge, providing a setting for collectors, artists, gallerists and art professionals to meet, exchange ideas and build new relationships.
These connections are an essential part of what makes an art fair more than a temporary exhibition. They help encourage.
The charm of exploring an art fair lies not only in seeing celebrated works, but also in meeting new people and discovering unexpected sources of inspiration. Those interested are invited to explore fresh perspectives on the world of art at art bangkok 2026 — The First Chapter, taking place from 7–11 October 2026 at NEX Hall and Art Jewel, 5th Floor, Siam Paragon