Not all cultural movers are artists—curators also play a key role in shaping how we experience art. This article highlights two leading curators in Bangkok who are reimagining how art is presented, making it more accessible, interactive and alive.

When we think of art, our minds usually jump to the artists who create it, but curators are just as important in shaping how we experience and engage with art. While the term “curator” may be unfamiliar to some, it’s a key role that connects artists with their audience. 

“Curating is many things at the same time. Most importantly, I believe the curator takes the role of a translator and negotiator, communicating the message from artist to audience. Curating is also linking the messages and pauses in between the artworks in the exhibition,”

explained Pojai Akratanakul, a leading Bangkok-based curator who has served as assistant curator for two editions of the Bangkok Art Biennale in 2020, 2022 and curator for Bangkok Art Biennale 2024.

“For me, curating art is all about storytelling. Every artist has their own unique story to tell and as a curator, I get to help them share that with the world. I shape the layout and details of the exhibition to create a specific experience for the audience, making each piece part of a larger and cohesive journey. I like to put thought into every detail, so viewers can connect with the art in an intentional way that hopefully stays with them,”

shared Kawintra “Mai” Wongsawasdi, another leading curator in Bangkok, who views curating as storytelling.

While both Pojai and Mai have their own interpretations of curating, they share a common goal: to convey the artist’s message to the audience in a way that allows for a meaningful connection. 

Pojai Akratanakul’s Vision: Connecting Art and Audience

Pojai’s curatorial journey is built on her belief that art has a larger story to tell, one that transcends individual pieces. Her recent work includes the Bangkok Art Biennale 2024, which explores social and environmental issues through the lens of contemporary art.

“This year’s theme, Nurture Gaia, explores the politics of caring, featuring artworks that explore anthropological views,”

she explained.

The exhibition, which spans 11 venues across Bangkok and runs until February 2025, brings together 76 artists from around the world, each contributing to the ongoing dialogue about care for our planet.

Pojai’s background also includes an MA in Visual Arts Administration and Curatorial Concentration from New York University. She has curated numerous independent exhibitions, such as Area 721,346 at Gallery VER and Footnotes on Institution (2019), as well as the Almost Nature exhibition (2019) at 3RD Fl. Pojai’s curatorial expertise extends to academic roles, having guest-lectured on curatorial studies at prestigious institutions such as Chulalongkorn University and Silpakorn University.

Kawintra “Mai” Wongsawasdi: Storytelling Through Art

Mai’s passion for curating comes from her deep love for film and the arts. After studying Film and Television at the University of the Arts London, she channeled her enthusiasm into curating exhibitions that aim to make art accessible and impactful. She has worked as an artist liaison at 333 Gallery, where she supported both represented and independent artists and is now a freelance curator. Mai continues to consult with art buyers and collectors, to offer a behind-the-scenes look into the creative process as required.

Photo: Courtesy of Tang Contemporary Art and Art Focus.

One of Mai’s standout projects was an exhibition at W Hotel Bangkok featuring Vietnamese artist Trần Quang Đại. Inspired by the cultural ties between Thailand and Vietnam, the show included a site-specific installation based on the story of a king and a sage. The project concluded with the donation of 800kg of rice from the installation to charity, embodying Mai’s belief in art’s ability to leave a lasting community impact.

“Curating this cross-cultural exhibition was a highlight for me,” Mai shared. “Seeing the art create a positive and tangible impact in the community was an amazing experience.”

Currently, Mai is working on curating a solo exhibition for Thai artist Atom Pavarit at Artemin Gallery in Taipei, scheduled for May 2025. The exhibition will focus on light, both natural and artificial, exploring how it affects our emotions and spaces.

“My goal is to help promote emerging artists like Atom, especially those with fresh and unique perspectives.”

Evolving the Curatorial Role in a Digital Age

Both Pojai and Mai are rule-breakers, defining how audiences interact with and perceive art in today’s immersive, tech-driven landscape. As the art world evolves, curators are also adapting to new technologies and immersive experiences. Mai, who has seen the rise of digital art, shares her perspective,

“I feel like NFTs are becoming less relevant, but digital art is definitely still on the rise, especially as part of immersive experiences. From my experience, nothing resonates more with audiences than when they can fully interact with the art. People tend to leave with a stronger, lasting impression when they’re part of the experience rather than just observing it from a distance. Immersive art is where I think the real evolution is happening—it’s what makes art feel more accessible and memorable today.”

Pojai added her perspective,

“I see these immersive and spectacular exhibitions as new possibilities and mediums. They open new doors and change how curators think, as well as transforming visitor expectations, reactions and participation. To me what remains the same, and still the most important despite these changes and expanded mediums, is the core idea. What makes a good exhibition and good artwork is still the concept, the research, the narrative behind it, and how it responds to the world, or to an individual, not just providing a fleeting experience.”

Both Pojai and Mai are pushing the boundaries–in their own terms–of how we experience art, acting as cultural movers who transform exhibitions into deeply interactive experiences and bringing new dimensions to the way we connect with the stories told through creative expression. Their efforts highlight the artists they work with and transform the art space into something more interactive and inclusive—an experience that connects deeply with both the local and international audiences they serve. They are reshaping how art can live and breathe in the world today.