Marina Abramović in
The Spirits of Maritime Crossing
Official collateral event, presented by Bangkok Art Biennale Foundation
Palazzo Smith Mangilli Valmarana
Cannaregio

The Bangkok Art Biennale Foundation presents 'The Spirits of Maritime Crossing', a Collateral Event of the 60th International Venice Biennale that presents artworks by 15 artists from Southeast Asia exploring themes of displacement, diaspora, and colonialism.

On view from 20 April to 24 November 2024, and curated by Prof. Dr. Apinan Poshyananda, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Bangkok Art Biennale, 'The Spirits of Maritime Crossing' delves into the complex realities of Southeast Asia, reflecting on the region’s diverse cultures and histories, and contrasting them with Western narratives. 

Among works by fifteen artists is a collaborative film by Prof. Dr. Apinan Poshyananda and Marina Abramović, in which she makes her acting debut, as well as artworks by Khvay Samnang, Moe Satt, Jakkai Siributr, Priyageetha Dia, and more. It provides commentary and reflection on crucial conversations from the Global South, as a region frequently marginalised within the broader narrative of these conversations. Spanning various mediums such as painting, sculpture, mixed media, and video, 'The Spirits of Maritime Crossing' explores the concept of maritime tide and crossing beyond trade and commerce, while exploring the ebbs and flows of cultural exchanges.

An opening ceremony for the exhibition will take place on 18 April from 2:30pm, featuring an artist talk with Apinan Poshyananda, Kawita Vatanajyankur, Jakkai Siributr and Priyageetha Dia, moderated by Mark Rappolt, and a screening of Poshnayanda and Abramović's film The Spirits of Maritime Crossing at 6:30pm.