As our world trembles in confusion and chaos from battle cries, terrorism, environmental detriment and trade wars, we are confronted with the question of whose side are we on? Numbed with political propaganda and brainwashing campaigns our perception of reality is trapped within the blurred borders of right, wrong and in between. There is no longer a universal law of human compassion and empathy as we are faced with problems of race, faith, class, corruption and political schism. Therefore, in the new warped world of dialectical opposites, two seemingly concepts can both be true and valid simultaneously. In fact, their coexistence can create ways in which philosophy, psychology and art interact as ways to cope with threats and malevolent forces.
Angels and Mara, the theme of Bangkok Art Biennale (BAB 2026), explores dialectical opposites between the realms of goodness and the undesirable. Angels derive from the Greek angelos meaning divine messengers. In Christianity, angels and cherubim are associated with attendants of God or spiritual beings. Some angels have specific names such as Gabriel or Michael. In the Bible, angels bring news, good or bad, to Abraham, Tobias and Mary. Angels also appear with bird wings, halos and divine light in Hebrew and Judaism. In Hinduism and Buddhism, angels are associated with devas, thep (celestial beings) and dharmapalas (dharma protectors). Mahadevas are higher-ranking celestials similar to archangels. Atman (inner self) is personal divine spirit. Dakinis and nang fah are female wisdom spirits that might be likened to angels. Apsaras are celestial nymphs associated with beauty, dance and music who inhabit in heavenly realms.
Fallen angels are those expelled from heaven. They became outcast by corrupting humanity and tempted them into sin. In Christianity, Satan and his angels tried to usurp God from his throne and take over heaven. War broke out, Michael defeated Satan and his angels were thrown to earth. Nephilim were monstrous offspring of fallen angels and human women. Fallen angels were sent to Tararus/Hell.
Mara has multiple origins. In Hebrew, Mara means bitterness or strength while in the Bible, Naomi adopted the name to express her grief. In Buddhist cosmology, Mara symbolizes death and the darker elements of human nature such as anger, jealousy, hatred, lust and hatred. Often depicted as demon or malignant celestial Asura in the story of Siddhartha Gautama’s enlightenment. Mara, the hideous demon, is the metaphorical representation of the darker elements of the human condition; the deluded ego that creates obstacles to achieving peace and enlightenment.
Bangkok (Krung Thep), the City of Angels has been compared to Venice of the East and The Land of Smiles. Recently, Bangkok’s reputation has been marred by social and political upheaval, loss of faith in Buddhist Sangha and decline in tourism. Angels have become embittered and vengeful. While Mara’s temptation for greed, corruption and destruction have spilled into conflicts and clashes. Set in Bangkok, BAB 2026, Angels and Mara will be the arena for artists local and afar to reflect their views on the suffering world we live in.
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