Thailand goes gaga for art toys

16 Sept 04:16 Key points summarised by AI

Art toys have become a massive social media phenomenon and coveted collectible in Thailand, appealing to all ages beyond traditional playthings.
Dataxet reported nearly 5,000 mentions and over 2.2 million interactions within a month, with Facebook being the primary platform for this trend.
Popular characters like Labubu and Crybaby, alongside brands like Pop Mart, dominate the market, with 'blind box' sales fueling collector excitement and driving high resale values.
Collectors are drawn to art toys for their unique designs, artistic narratives, the thrill of unboxing, and the potential for investment, while the trend also creates lucrative business and charitable collaboration opportunities.

Bright at Midnight: Conceptual echoes of Bas Jan Ader Arrive in Bangkok

Today 15:13 Key points summarised by AI

"Bright at Midnight" marks the first institutional exhibition in Asia of Dutch conceptual artist Bas Jan Ader, showcasing his enigmatic work at Bangkok Kunsthalle until January 10, 2027.
The exhibition delves into Ader's legacy, exploring themes of vulnerability and the ephemeral, made more poignant by his 1975 disappearance at sea during an art project.
It encourages viewers to engage with art beyond its material form, featuring key pieces like "Thoughts unsaid, Then forgotten," "Light vulnerable objects threatened by eight cement bricks," and the haunting film "Launch of the Ocean Wave."
A highlight is the planned live transformation of "Light vulnerable objects threatened by eight cement bricks" in 2026, where ropes will be cut, creating a new layer of art from the destructive impact.
The exhibition challenges conventional art consumption, advocating for a deeper appreciation of conceptual and research-driven artistic practices over mere fascination with art as an asset class.