Art Basel Paris 2026: Rirkrit Tiravanija's Boat Installation

For Art Basel Paris 2026, taking place from October 18 to 25, 2026, Thai contemporary artist Rirkrit Tiravanija has unveiled a striking architectural dining installation. Created in collaboration with chef Dalad Kambhu and Luca Pronzato, founder of We Are Ona, the temporary restaurant named Dalad’s is set in a secret location near Place de l’Étoile in Paris, France, blending traditional Thai culinary culture with experiential art.

At the center of the project are two monumental stainless steel structures inspired by traditional Thai fishing boats. These elongated units function simultaneously as communal dining tables and active working kitchens, equipped with integrated steam pots that allow food to be prepared and served directly in front of guests, paying homage to Thailand's vibrant waterways and floating food culture.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

Running throughout the week in October, the temporary restaurant accommodates up to 100 guests, replacing conventional seating arrangements with long communal tables where chefs and diners share the exact same space. This venture marks chef Kambhu's third collaboration with We Are Ona, following previous culinary projects developed alongside designers Harry Nuriev and Marc Leschelier.

Chef Dalad Kambhu, a Bangkok-raised Thai-American chef who earned a Michelin star in 2019 at Kin Dee in Berlin, leads the kitchen by combining traditional Thai flavors with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The menu features a four-course lunch and an eight-course dinner, inviting diners to connect through the shared preparation and consumption of each dish.