In October, our IB Visual Arts and IGCSE Art and Design students embarked on a four-day trip to Bangkok, immersing themselves in the city’s vibrant art scene. This annual trip is a valuable part of the Arts curriculum at British International School, Phuket, offering students unique opportunities to engage with art on a professional level and inspiring new directions in their creative practices.

This year, students had the incredible opportunity to experience the Bangkok Art Biennale, a prestigious event that brings together influential artists from around the world, showcasing thought-provoking works across multiple venues. Students explored a diverse array of galleries and centres, including the Bangkok Art and Culture Center, Jim Thompson Art Center, MOCA Gallery, the Golden Kiss Immersive Exhibition, River City Gallery, and Queen’s Gallery. Each venue provided a distinctive perspective, offering students an expansive view of contemporary and traditional art and its many forms of expression.

One of the trip’s standout moments took place at Queen’s Gallery, where students met Professor Lee Yong Ha, an esteemed Korean artist. Professor Lee generously shared insights into his exhibition, The Beauty of Impermanence, which captures fleeting moments and celebrates the beauty found in the natural decay of plants and flowers through photography. He explained how he waits patiently each year for the moment when certain flowers bloom for just one day, creating a unique shade of orange. His work also captures the graceful motion of birds in flight and the subtle transformations of trees through the seasons, giving students a deeper understanding of the conceptual depth in his art.

The trip inspired our students in numerous ways. They recorded elements in their sketchbooks that will directly enhance their written and practical work for IGCSE and IB. Experiencing art in person encouraged them to consider how to curate their own work for future exhibitions.

The Bangkok trip is a highlight of the year for our Arts students, and we look forward to seeing how this experience influences their future projects and exhibitions. Students described the trip as adventurous, exciting, and educational, noting that it was both fun and meaningful. This inspiring experience contributed positively to their artistic journeys.