One Bangkok to unveil Permanent Public Sculptures by World-Renowned Artists Anish Kapoor and Tony Cragg to Establish Bangkok as an Art and Culture Destination
One Bangkok, the largest holistically integrated district in the heart of Bangkok, aims to merge art and culture into day-to-day life to uplift quality of life, as well as people’s well-being. With the grand opening ceremony scheduled at the end of October 2024, the development will also unveil its “Art Loop”, a vibrant route spanning over 2 kilometres throughout the project featuring diverse artworks and creative programs.
One Bangkok is ready to showcase inspiring pieces from numerous world-renowned artists, including Anish Kapoor, an artist recognised as one of the most celebrated sculptors of this generation. Known for his intricate artistry and ambitious engineering feats, Kapoor is the mastermind behind “Cloud Gate”, a centrepiece sculpture of Millenium Park in Chicago. Also known as “The Bean”, this now iconic landmark artwork has a mirrored seamless surface that draws the city scape and the viewer into its surface. Another notable work from Kapoor is the “Dismembermeant Site I” –in Kaopara Bay, New Zealand, a vast red PVC membrane that stretches its looming, voided form through the middle of a hill. One Bangkok is also set to feature work from Tony Cragg, acclaimed British Sculptor who is famed for pushing the dynamic interplay between people and materials. Cragg’s art reveals the boundless imagination inherent in form and substance as shown in his iconic “Points of View” series, a collection of sculptures displayed in various public spaces around the globe. These pieces stand out for their abstract forms, playing with perception and evoking different reactions depending on the viewer’s emotions and surrounding environment. Other famous creations by Cragg include “Early Forms”, a series of sculptures featuring smooth, organic, and natural structures that mark a shift away from the geometric shapes that characterised his prior work.
One Bangkok will feature unique sculptural works from both artists to be part of the One Bangkok Public Art Collection, a meticulously curated assembly spread throughout the development. The collection will feature art pieces that harmonise with the envisioned lifestyle and aesthetics of One Bangkok, furthering propelling Thailand’s capital to become a world-class art and cultural destination.
As permanent installations at One Bangkok, the public art pieces from both artists received consultation and were curated by Professor Dr. Apinan Poshyananda, Committee Member of the Art and Culture Development Committee of One Bangkok and Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Bangkok Art Biennale. The two pieces have also been selected to be a key part of the Bangkok Art Biennale 2024, an international contemporary art festival, under the theme “Nurture Gaia”.
Charintip Choomuenwai, Chief Curator, Head of Art & Culture and Deputy Head of Strategic Branding & Corporate Communication of One Bangkok said “We are proud to present the world-class sculptures of Anish Kapoor and Tony Cragg, which will serve as important landmarks of Bangkok – a key destination that people from all over the world will want to visit and witness first hand. The two pieces will become a driving force in elevating Bangkok and Thailand in the global arts and cultural scene.”
“As One Bangkok champions art and culture as integral components of a fulfilling lifestyle, the One Bangkok Public Art Collection will feature work from world-renowned and local artists, accessible to all free-of-charge. The assembly will encompass a diverse range of mediums, including sculptures, paintings, digital art, and public furniture. Every piece of artwork in the collection is meticulously chosen and integrated into the fabric of One Bangkok, offering a unique aesthetic experience, a source of daily discovery, and a unifying sense of wonder that connects all aspects of the project. At One Bangkok, we believe art is fundamental to life. Our ‘Heart of Bangkok’ vision means creating a city centre that cares for everyone’s complete well-being. To truly place art and culture at the heart of everyone’s lives, it needs to be seamlessly merged into everyday life and be easily accessible.” Charintip added.
Experience the monumental sculptures of internationally recognised artists for yourself at One Bangkok in the fourth quarter of 2024.
