KOSMOS: Between Spirit & Matter Press Conference

February 4

KOSMOS: Between Spirit & Matter Press Conference

Asian Art Century – Chiang Mai 2026 Edition presents

“KOSMOS: Between Spirit & Matter”

What will take place at the KOSMOS Festival:

contemporary art works by 70 Thai artists from across the country, an immersive / electronic performance “When Nature Becomes Orchestra” by Riccardo Mazza, a guest artist from Italy and a public talk stage designed to make contemporary art more accessible to a wider audience.

The program runs 7–15 February 2026 at two main venues:

• One Nimman, Chiang Mai

KOSMOS Live Festival: 7–8 February 2026, 11:00–20:00

• Weave Artisan Society, Chiang Mai

Grand Opening: 11 February 2026

KOSMOS Exhibition Festival: 12–15 February 2026, 10:00–20:00

Asian Art Century is a non-profit initiative founded by Corrado Ferretti & cofounder Alberto Cosi, Italian Consul in Chiang Mai, in collaboration with the Italian Institute of Culture in Bangkok, Paratissima, Project-To, and support of CAMT (College of Arts, Media, and Technology at CMU

Our mission is a platform for emerging asian artists fostering cultural exchange and new opportunities by building bridges between Thailand and Italy.

Participation is free of charge, ensuring access, visibility and inclusion for emerging artists across Asia.

What “KOSMOS” Means

KOSMOS derives from the Greek word meaning the universe or the totality of the world. Beyond its physical meaning, KOSMOS represents a system shaped by relationships, harmony, and interdependence.

This edition explores the idea that spirit and matter are not opposites, but interconnected dimensions coexisting within a single structure. Human beings are not external observers of the universe they are active participants within it, bound to its rhythms, energies, and transformations.

Asian Art Century invites contemporary artists to reflect on how artistic creation can function as a connecting force linking the individual to the collective, the visible to the invisible, the physical to the immaterial, and the human to the cosmic.

Highlights

1) 70 Thai Artists selected from open call

More than 400 applicants, 70 selected — 3 fully funded to exhibit at Paratissima (Italy)

KOSMOS features contemporary works by Thai artists selected through a highly competitive open call. From over 400 applications, 70 artists were chosen to exhibit, and 3 will receive full scholarships to showcase their work at Paratissima in Italy, including free participation in exchange workshops with leading Italian partner institutions.

2) Guest artists from the festival and Chiang Mai Art Museum

Venue: One Nimman Dates: 7–8 February 2026 Time: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Performative Painting by 5 professional artists

1. Narin Phothisombat (TH) 2. Seksan Singon (TH) 3. Jirayu Yuktanandana (TH) 4. Phattharakon Singthong (TH) 5. Tanyalak Meechumna (TH)

3) Performances by guest artists from Italy and Thai artists

 3.1 Immersive & Electronic “When Nature Becomes Orchestra” by RICCARDO MAZZA/LAURA POL (IT)

When Nature Becomes Orchestra invites you to listen to the hidden voices of the living world. Each plant, each element, becomes a unique sound. Through sensors and algorithms, the garden transforms into a living composition, inviting you to touch, hear, and feel the invisible music of life.

3.2 Live Performance “KHWAN DANCE” by Padung Jumpan (TH) and Weeratouch Pongruengkiat (TH)

Khwan Dance is a research-based performance project exploring Khwan, an animist concept from Isaan and Southeast Asian cultures, understood as a vital life-force within the human body. The project treats Khwan as a form of spiritual DNA, a culturally embedded system for understanding energy, balance, and collective well-being.

4) Talks Session The program features talks and learning activities including:

• Italian wine pairing experience with food
• A session on 1960s modern architecture (Modern Architecture)
• A talk on elevating art into a global business by the CEO of Paratissima

5) “KOSMOS Spiritual Lounge”Contemporary belief, healing art, and self-discovery

A special zone inviting visitors to reconnect with themselves through contemporary cultural practices and artistic storytelling.

• Thai–Chinese astrology, feng shui, and oracle readings by experienced masters trusted by major real-estate projects nationwide

6) AI Photo Booth

Honorary Consulate of Italy in Chiang Mai, Italian Cultural Institute Thailand, Paratissima Art Fair, Share Project, Project-TO, CAMT (College of Arts, Media and Technology, CMU), Creative Economic Agency (TCDC & Chiangmai Design Week), Rimping, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Chiang Mai Municipality and Province, Chiang Mai Art Museum, and Weave Artisan Society.

**Article includes photos from last year’s exhibition**