works by louise bourgeois, elmgreen & dragset and more emerge in thai khao yai art forest

khao yai art forest opens in thailand

Nestled in the verdant mountains of Pong Ta Long, the Khao Yai Art Forest emerges as Thailand’s newest art and nature sanctuary. Spanning 210 acres, this expansive site offers a unique space where artistic expression and ecological awareness intersect, creating an environment where both can thrive. The institution, named SilaPaa—derived from the Thai words Silapa (Art) and Paa (Forest)—embodies a vision to foster innovative artistic endeavors in harmony with the natural landscape. Interweaving works from renowned artists like Louise Bourgeois, Elmgreen & Dragset (see designboom’s coverage here), Fujiko Nakaya, and more, the Art Forest transforms the natural landscape into a living gallery, where site-specific installations and large-scale commissions invite visitors to experience art as an extension of the environment.

Richard Long, Madrid Circle | all images courtesy of Khao Yai Art Forest

An Eclectic Collection of Site-Specific Works

The Khao Yai Art Forest serves as a dynamic platform that enables artists to bring ambitious projects to life—works that might otherwise be constrained by scale or environment. The institution supports these creative pursuits through a variety of initiatives, including artist commissions, curated exhibitions, and site-specific installations. With a focus on both Thai and international artists, the program emphasizes themes of environmental healing and sustainability. But healing here extends beyond conventional notions of wellness. Rather than merely reflecting on nature, Art Forest invites artists and visitors alike to engage directly with the environment—recovering its lost intricacies and embracing the symbiosis between art and the natural world.

The inaugural installations at Art Forest showcase a diverse array of voices and artistic practices, unified by a commitment to nature, mindfulness, and cultural dialogue. Highlights include Fujiko Nakaya’s ethereal Fog Forest, Francesco Arena’s monumental stone sculpture GOD, and Ubatsat’s earth-centered piece Pilgrimage to Eternity. A playful homage to Martin Kippenberger comes in the form of K-BAR, crafted by the artist duo Elmgreen & Dragset, known for the iconic Prada Marfa installation. Scattered throughout the forest, visitors will also encounter works by renowned artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Richard Long, Richard Nonas, and Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook, each contributing to the evolving narrative of art in nature.

Louise Bourgeois, Maman