Wednesday, April 18, 2012

A historic hub set to emerge for meaningful artistic engagement

Kochi is among the few Indian cities where pre-colonial traditions of captivating cultural pluralism still flourish. They pre-date the post-Enlightenment concepts of cultural pluralism, multiculturalism and globalization that can be traced to Muziris.

The site is currently under excavation, and it’s vital to explore and also retrieve the past memories in context of the present status, in order to posit alternatives to cultural and political discourses emanating from the specific histories of America and Europe.

Slated to be held in various spaces across the historic venue such as the newly-restored Durbar Hall as well as its serene surrounding islands like Willington and Bolgatty, the 2012 Kochi International Biennale modeled on the Venice Biennale envisions mass participation through debates, discussions, seminars, talks, workshops, screenings, educational activities and a series of shows in unusual spaces. It emphasizes creating site-specific installations, bringing life back to heritage buildings, and reanimating disused houses.

The Biennale will involve people from across the cross-sections of contemporary art world, including top artists like Atul Dodiya, Bani Abidi, Zakir Hussain, Tallur L.N., Alfredo Jaar, Fiona Tan, Gabriel Orozco, and Wangechi Mutu, to name a few. Young and upcoming practitioners will also get an opportunity to display their talent alongside the more known international figures. In a way, the platform seeks to project the new energy of artistic practices in the subcontinent.

An introductory note elaborates: “It will introduce contemporary international visual art theory and practice to India, showcase and debate new Indian and international aesthetics and art experiences and enable a dialogue among artists, curators, and the public; it seeks to reflect the new confidence of Indian people who are slowly, but surely, building a new society that aims to be liberal, inclusive, egalitarian and democratic.”

The time has come to tell the story of cultural practices distinct to the Indian people and local traditions, practices and discourses shaping the idea of India, it emphasizes...

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