Opened in November 2015 TARS Gallery sits in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit neighborhood. It’s more than just a gallery. Pierre Béchon the founder envisioned it as The Artist Run Space or TARS. He wanted a flexible space. A place for experimentation a laboratory for art. It could be an exhibition a residency or even a social hub. Béchon arrived in Bangkok after a frustrating time in New York. He needed the city’s energy. He needed to create.
TARS Gallery isn’t just about showing art. It’s about producing it. International artists both established and emerging exhibit their work there. Béchon also started TAIGERS a program supporting young Thai art graduates. These graduates often struggle after school. There’s little public funding. TAIGERS helps them exhibit and discuss their work. It bridges the gap between student and professional artist. It helps them navigate the challenges of a sometimes difficult art world.
Béchon’s work with TARS is interesting. He tackles the challenges of the Thai art scene. The scene is unique. It’s shaped by politics by cultural traditions and by limited funding. It is a scene that constantly adapts and redefines itself. Béchon’s gallery participates in Art Stage Singapore. It’s a chance to show Thai art internationally. It’s also a way to find financial autonomy. It’s not about getting rich. It’s about supporting artists and their work. It’s about keeping the gallery running.
TARS Gallery reflects a fascinating dialogue. It’s a dialogue between Western and Thai art. It’s a dialogue between tradition and innovation. It’s a dialogue between the political and the artistic. Béchon sees Bangkok as a cultural melting pot. It’s a city that absorbs influences from around the world. This makes it a vibrant and exciting place for art. TARS Gallery is a part of that vibrancy. It’s a testament to the power of art to adapt and evolve. It’s a space where artists can thrive. It’s a space where creativity can flourish. So look closely. TARS Gallery is more than it appears. It’s a story waiting to be discovered.