Review: 100 Tonson Foundation

Tell us a bit about the story behind this gallery.
Over the past decade, Bangkok’s art scene has mushroomed from a few scattered galleries into a vibrant, thriving community. Much of that transformation has to do with Aey Phanachet’s groundbreaking contemporary art space in Ploenchit. In 2020, Tonson Gallery became a non-profit and changed its name to 100 Tonson Foundation. Its goal is to continue to highlight contemporary Thai art in its free gallery space and support local artists with grants, all while creating partnerships with museums and art spaces across the globe.

What's the space like?
The sleek, white-walled interior by French designer Christian Liaigre makes for a fitting neutral canvas for the varied works on display. Opening receptions, performances, and panels tend to draw a crowd, but the space never feels claustrophobic.

And the art? What can we expect to see?
The curators have a well-established eye for rising Southeast Asian talent and have helped propel prominent Thai artists including Porntaweesak Rimsakul and Yuree Kensaku into the international spotlight. Exhibitions here tend to be tightly focused and occasionally provocative. The atmosphere of the gallery shifts radically depending on the character of the work—one show may consist of densely clustered images covering every square inch of wall space, while another might lean towards a spare aesthetic.

Any tips for how to make the most of a visit?
If possible, time your visit to coincide with an exhibition opening, which regularly draw some of Bangkok’s most influential artists and intellectuals. On other days, examine the works on your own at a more leisurely pace.

So who do you think 100 Tonson is best for?
Art aficionados seeking greater insight into one of the most influential galleries in the region. Even if you’re merely culturally curious, the centrally located, highly accessible exhibitions make for an enjoyable detour.