Bangkok Illustration Fair 2023 (BKKIF), an art event that draws the attention of artists and creators from Thailand and around the world, is now organized for the third time. BKKIF aims to promote and boost the potential of the Thai illustration scene as well as fostering development and expanding work at both the national and international levels. The event is organized by three organizations: happening, DEXEMBELL, and WHAT IF.
This BKKIF2023 has set a new record and created a continuous phenomenon in the Thai illustration scene. Since the opening of artist submissions on August 18, 2023, until the final day of the application period on September 18, 2023, a total of 767 applicants from 23 countries have applied for the event participation. This marks a significant increase compared to the first BKKIF2021 with 479 applicants from 9 countries and the second BKKIF2022 with 543 applicants from 10 countries.
Out of the total number of applicants, 150 artists have been selected to exhibit their works. The list of selected BKKIF Artists 2023, announced on September 25, 2023, comprises 132 Thai artists and 18 international artists from the Philippines, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, China, Ukraine, and Myanmar. They will showcase their works alongside 17 GUEST Artists at the Bangkok Illustration Fair 2023.
Moreover, the Bangkok Illustration Fair 2023 has garnered interest from various organizations, agencies, brands, and international event organizations who have also joined as "Reviewers". They will evaluate the works of all 150 artists and select those of interest to offer "Reward" which is an "opportunity" for the artists, tailored to their interests and talents. This year, there are more than 60 Reviewers, an increase from 35 in the first year and 48 in the second year.
The increasing numbers of both local and international applicants, along with the growing count of Reviewers in this year's event, signify the expansion of the illustration industry. This expansion is indicative of the market's growing demand and serves as a stimulus for the creative economy. It also reflects the potential and new possibilities for Thai illustrators more than ever before.
Bangkok Illustration Fair 2023 takes place at the Bangkok Art and Culture Center (BACC) in the main exhibition hall on the 7th, as well as the 1st, and 5th floors. The expansive venue spans over 1,500 square meters and includes exhibition spaces and various activities as follows:
The main exhibition hall on the 7th floor features the artwork showcase of the 150 BKKIF Artists. Visitors can engage in discussions and exchange ideas and inspiration up close with the artists. They will also put products up for sale at the event. In the case of GUEST Artists, 17 of them include Phanom Suwanaboon, Pangnual Studio, Juli Baker and Summer, May-T Noijinda, Mushroom Studio, Sorarak Tikaphanya (archive026), Benzilla, Pariwat Anatachina, Lili Tae, NatDao, Rukkit, Suzu from Thailand, Ardneks (Indonesia), Tomoaki Murayama (Japan), Taipei Illustration Fair (Taiwan), and Seoul Illustration Fair (Korea). They will present a diverse range of illustrated art for viewers to appreciate. For those interested in BKKIF2023 souvenirs, they are sold at a merchandise shop on this floor as well.
The first floor is open for free admission. Visitors can purchase event tickets at the Ticket Booth, enjoy the unique BKKIF Photo Booth designed exclusively for the event, join special activities from BKKIF, and purchase commemorative items. Visitors can also explore the "Image - Illustration - City" (ภาพ - ประกอบ - เมือง) campaign, a collaboration between BKKIF and DOW (Department of Wonder), supported by UTA (U-tapao International Aviation). Ten BKKIF Artists in the campaign were selected to participate in a workshop organized by the Practical School of Design (PS?D) before showcasing the works at BKKIF2023. If you are curious about how illustrations contribute to cityscapes, make sure to check it out. Additionally, there are showcases from four universities: School of Fine and Applied Arts, Bangkok University; Faculty of DecorativeArts, Silpakorn University; Department of Creative Communication Design, Albert Laurence School of Communication Arts, Assumption University; and Creative Media, School of Architecture and Design, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi.
The fifth floor is open for free admission. There is another Ticket Booth for those who wish to purchase tickets to access the main exhibition on the 7th floor. Additionally, the 5th floor features the "Sunflowers" exhibition by BKKIF x SC Assets, where 10 artists are invited to create their interpretations of sunflowers. There are also creative showcases sponsored by Canon, KPP Antalis, Central Tham, and Birdy Cafe. Feel free to visit and participate in the activities!
The Key Visual for BKKIF2023 was creatively designed by Ployjaploen, one of the artists from BKKIF2022. The BKKIF team appreciated her playful styles and vibrant colors, which evoke a sense of fun, and offered her the Reward last year to be the designer of the Key Visual for this year's BKKIF.
Bangkok Illustration Fair 2023 is scheduled to take place from December 7th to 10th, 2023, at the Bangkok Art and Culture Center (BACC) in the main exhibition hall on the 7th, 1st, and 5th floors from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Tickets are now available for purchase via Eventpop or at the venue on the 1st and 5th floors.
There are two types of tickets for the event:
- One-Day Pass: For one-day entry on any chosen day, 150 Baht (inclusive of VAT and all fees).
- Four-Day Pass: For unlimited entry throughout the event, 250 Baht (inclusive of VAT and all fees). The pass includes a complimentary set of BKKIF2023 postcards, limited to 700 sets for the first 700 purchasers.
Online ticket purchase is available at eventpop.me/s/bkkif2023
Payment methods: Credit/Debit Card, Alipay, QR PromptPay, KPlus
Free entry for children under 130 centimeters tall
For tickets purchased via Eventpop, please show your QR Code to receive a wristband for access to the main exhibition area on the 7th floor.
Feel free to follow up on updates and activities through:
Website: bangkokillustrationfair.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bkkif
Instagram: www.instagram.com/bkkif_official
X (Twitter): twitter.com/BKKIF_OFFICIAL
Source: fyi bangkok
