Curator Stefano Rabolli Pansera on the Khao Yai Art Forest in Thailand, nurturing nature through art, and the Bangkok Kunsthalle.
Curator and Director, Stefano Rabolli Pansera - Courtesy Khao Yai Art
Ep.108 | Stefano Rabolli Pansera is curator and director of the Bangkok Kunsthalle and the Khao Yai Art Forest in Thailand.
Originally from Italy, Stefano relocated to Thailand to initiate a groundbreaking project that blends art, nature, and healing. With a background as the former director of Hauser & Wirth Gallery in Switzerland, Stefano brings a unique perspective to the art world, emphasising the importance of nurturing our environment through artistic expression.
In this episode, we delve into his curatorial process, his philosophy on art and nature, and the exciting developments of the two initiatives. Founded by philanthropist and art patron Marisa Chearavanont, I talk with Stefano about the Khao Yai Art Forest initiative and the Bangkok Kunsthalle.
“Fog Forest”, Fujiko Nakaya, (Photo by Andrea Rossetti)
“Pilgrinage to Eternity”, Ubstat (Photo by Krittawat Atthsis and Puttisin Choojesroom)
“GOD”, Francesco Arena (Credit of the artist)
“Two Planets Series”, Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook (Photo by Andrea Rossetti)
“Maman”, Louise Bourgeois (Photo by Andrea Rossetti)
“Madrid Circle”, Richard Long (Photo by Andrea Rossetti)
“K-Bar”, Elmgreen & Dragset (Photo by Andrea Rossetti)
Khao Yai Art Forest is a new paradigm for a nature-based institution. Its Thai name, “SilaPaa” stems from two Thai words, “Silapa” and “Paa,” meaning Art and Forest respectively, is a moniker for a space where art and nature coexist in perfect harmony, reflecting the institution’s ambition which is to advance, support, and realise the visionary proposals of artists in a natural environment. It welcomes commissioned large-scale works and site-specific installations that explore the relationship between art and the natural environment.
Khao Yai Art Forest emphasizes the concept of healing through art, recognizing that by caring for nature, we also care for ourselves. Going beyond traditional mindfulness activities, Khao Yai Art Forest seeks to recover the lost complexities and vitalities of nature through an artful engagement with the environment. Since its inception, the institution has remained committed to challenging and enriching the human relationship with nature by supporting artists whose work contributes to this dialogue.
Through its Research and Public Programs, including talks, workshops, and symposiums, Khao Yai Art Forest fosters knowledge exchange across diverse backgrounds and disciplines, transforming the Khao Yai area into a vibrant arts destination with international appeal
Website: www.khaoyaiart.com
Instagram @bangkok_kunsthalle | @khaoyai_art_forest
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