Bangkok goes all out for art

ART is all around as the inaugural Bangkok Art Biennale opened with a bang in the Thai capital last week, with 200 works by 75 artists from 33 countries spread across 20 locations. Shopping centres, government buildings and even sacred temples have become impromptu exhibition spaces showcasing local and international contemporary art.

In Friday's issue of Weekend magazine, we take you on an arty tour of Bangkok, where Yayoi Kusama's polka-dotted pumpkin balloons float joyfully in CentralWorld; Heri Dono's mechanical angels flutter their wings at the entrance of the Peninsula Bangkok Hotel; and Yoshitomo Nara's white dog stands tall outside One Bangkok. We also speak to the people behind the push to make Bangkok an important art hub for Asia.

Meanwhile, Arthur Kiong shares his insights into the hotel business as the CEO of Far East Hospitality, and his knack for turning diversity into opportunity.

We also take you on a magical dining experience at the fabled restaurant Faviken in Sweden, where chef Marcus Nilsson takes up a challenge to prepare only birds hunted in the vicinity, sending him into creative overdrive.

And finally, if you're a sartorially-conscious gent with an eye on style, three fashion insiders show you how to work the current season's looks into your existing wardrobe.