Australian art and innovation at Bangkok Design Week 2026
30 January 2026
The Australian Embassy Thailand is delighted to join the 9th Bangkok Design Week through the work of Australian artist Giles Ryder and his neon installation Fractured Galaxy. Mr Ryder’s creation is on display at Fotoclub Studio, Noise 43, joining over 350 programs across the festival’s 140 venues this year.
Fractured Galaxy is a vibrant neon installation constructed from neon tubes, transformers, steel and Perspex. Mr Ryder described his work as a “loose, abstract, cartoon-like galaxy” that responds dynamically to the architectural and cultural context of Thailand.
Mr Ryder has lived and worked in Thailand for over a decade. His projects – often characterised by the use of industrial materials such as aluminum, mirrors and high finish lacquer – have featured in more than 25 exhibitions globally.
Australian Ambassador to Thailand Dr Angela Macdonald joined the festival’s opening ceremony at TCDC Bangkok yesterday, together with Mr Ryder and other participants.
“Bangkok Design Week provides a valuable platform to highlight Australian talent such as Giles’ work, and our close collaboration with Thailand,” she said.
“The festival attracts thousands of Thai and international visitors each year, so our embassy is proud to be part of this celebration of creativity.”
Another project, Stormwater Planter Boxes designed by Water Sensitive Cities Australia, Monash University and King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang is also featured at the festival.
The innovative and sustainable stormwater planter boxes were designed specifically for Bangkok’s climate conditions and can absorb and filter rainwater before releasing it into the drainage system. The project collaboration is supported by the Australian Government through the Mekong-Australia Partnership.
The planter boxes are on display at the School of Architecture, Art and Design, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) and at Paj Chim Li Khit Café in Phra Nakhon district.
Bangkok Design Week is organised by Thailand’s Creative Economy Agency and runs from 29 January to 8 February 2026.
- Fractured Galaxy: https://www.bangkokdesignweek.com/en/bkkdw2026/program/153236
- Stormwater planter boxes: https://www.bangkokdesignweek.com/en/bkkdw2026/program/150502
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