What is it? N22 Bangkok is a community of five art galleries: Gallery VER, Studio Be Takerng Pattanopas, Cartel Art Space, Mads Box, and La Lanta Fine Art. They have carved a niche away from the commercial city center on Soi Narathiwas 22.
Why we love it: N22 was originally conceived by Rirkrit Tirvanija, the Thai artist who made cooking Pad Thai into performance art. Gallery VER and La Lanta Fine Art are the older siblings of the group, both opening in 2006, albeit in different original locations. Studio Be Takerng Pattanopas is an open studio that shows the namesake’s works, while Cartel Art Space may be physically small but packs a mighty punch in terms of artistic integrity. This band of gallerists support each other, and visitors may feel like they walked into a block party at times.
Time Out tip: Each gallery has well-versed staff, so come prepared to have long discussions about the exhibitions and the state of world affairs. There is a cosy cafe at the top of Soi Narathiwas 22 fittingly called Mille Journeys of Sweet and Happiness – isn’t that just the best way to end a day of art appreciation?
Opening hours: N22 Bangkok, Tuesday to Sunday 10am-7pm. 2198/10-11 Soi Narathiwas 22, Bangkok, 10120