Rirkrit Tiravanija's Thai Fishing Boat Dining Installation at Art Basel Paris 2026
Thai artist Rirkrit Tiravanija has designed a striking dining installation for Art Basel Paris 2026, featuring two monumental stainless steel tables inspired by traditional Thai fishing boats. This innovative project, named Dalad's, is a collaboration with chef Dalad Kambhu and We Are Ona founder Luca Pronzato, and it aims to redefine the dining experience by placing cooking and social interaction at its core. The installation will be located in a secret venue near Place de l’Étoile from October 18 to 25, 2026, and can accommodate up to 100 guests.
The elongated structures serve dual purposes as both dining tables and working kitchens, complete with integrated seating and steam pots that allow food to be prepared and served right in front of the diners. This design not only encourages interaction between chefs and guests but also reflects Thailand's rich cultural heritage associated with its waterways and informal food culture. Tiravanija recalls his childhood memories of buying boat noodle soup from vendors on the piers of Bangkok, which inspired him to create a space where dining and cooking are intertwined.
Kambhu, a Thai-American chef known for her Michelin-starred restaurant Kin Dee in Berlin, continues her exploration of contemporary Thai cuisine through this pop-up. The menu features a four-course lunch and an eight-course dinner, emphasizing the importance of sharing food as a communal act. This approach is further enhanced by the unique design of the dining space, which eliminates the traditional separation between kitchen and dining room, allowing guests to witness the culinary process firsthand.
Exploring Cultural Identity Through Culinary Collaboration
The collaborative effort between Tiravanija and Kambhu also delves into themes of cultural identity and authenticity in food preparation, particularly in environments where traditional Thai ingredients may not be readily available. Their friendship and shared passion for cooking have led to meaningful discussions about what it means to create authentic Thai cuisine away from home.
A Culinary Experience as Living Art
As the installation unfolds, it promises to engage diners not just in the act of eating but in a participatory experience that blurs the lines between artist, audience, and artwork. The communal tables are designed to facilitate conversations and connections among guests, transforming each meal into a living artwork that evolves with every gathering. Tiravanija encapsulates this sentiment by stating that a beautiful meal shared among friends and even strangers is, in itself, a beautiful work of art.
With this project, We Are Ona continues its mission to connect gastronomy with art, architecture, and design, showcasing how food can serve as a medium for cultural exchange and artistic expression. The installation at Dalad's is set to be a highlight of Art Basel Paris 2026, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a unique culinary journey inspired by the traditions of Thai fishing culture.
