Founded on an ethos of friendship, and emerging amidst a regional constellation of artists’ initiatives and independent spaces, the series of festivals known as Chiang Mai Social Installation, staged contemporary art within everyday urban life of this city in northern Thailand.

From temples and cemeteries to libraries, the town square, and even a dental clinic, these artist-led interventions present a self funded, anarchic alternative to Southeast Asia’s subsequently expanding biennial culture while also marking the emergence of a wider contemporary moment.

The first comprehensive publication on these projects, this book presents extensive photographic documentation alongside a multi-vocal account by its participants.

David Teh’s main essay offers detailed contextualisation and analysis, and is complemented by contributions from Patrick D. Flores, May Adadol Ingawanij, Uthit Athimana, Thasnai Sethaseree and participating artists.

Part of the Exhibition Histories Series and co-published with Afterall in association with the Center for Curatorial Studies (CCS), Bard College, New York.