Why is Bangkok suddenly obsessed with giant sculptures?
Next up it's the turn of a certain brown panda. The Yimu Art Exhibition has landed at Iconsiam, featuring a crew of giant inflatable characters by rising Chinese artist Leo Huang and with them, a much-needed dose of softness in a fast-paced world.
Front and centre is Seven, whose main hobbies seem to be eating well, chilling hard and spreading joy. With legs kicked out, a belly that looks like it's had one too many dumplings and a face of total bliss, Seven embodies what Huang calls the 'philosophy of the round belly' – a reminder that happiness can be as simple as a good meal and a quiet moment. Inspired by the creatures of China's Qinling Mountains, Seven is part of Huang's Guardians of the Loong series and arrives in Bangkok to celebrate 50 years of Thai-Chinese friendship.
Close by at Terrace Hal l, you'll find Hippo Go!, a bubblegum-pink hippo mid-climb, radiating determination and innocence like it's about to audition for an animated comeback. Together, the characters showcase the artist's whimsical world, where animals reflect human emotions and everyday spaces form a playful fantasyland.
It's more than just giant inflatables – take a stroll to Arts Way on the M floor, where you'll find a thoughtfully curated shop filled with collectible art toys and designs. Discover creations featuring Huang's beloved characters, including Hello! Bear and the Guardians of the Loong crew.
Huang's characters exist through cross-media art, blending storytelling, sculpture and design to explore the connections between people, nature and urban life. His portfolio includes monumental public installations, art toys and designed products that bring his characters to life in both large-scale and everyday settings.
This larger-than-life sculpture exhibition proves that when it comes to this kind of showcase, Bangkokians are always up for it. Well, a large part of the appeal might just be the Instagram effect. These mega-installations are crowd magnets – easy content, free entertainment and a clever way for public spaces to attract foot traffic in a city that's constantly craving its next photogenic distraction.
This surge of playful public art signals that Bangkok's creative scene is just beginning to flourish. The next wave will likely spotlight interactive installations, reminiscent of those in the soon-to-open Jurassic World: The Experience. Looking ahead, we can expect even more international exhibitions to find their way to the heart of the capital.
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