Art columnist Jhupu Adhikari in a recent write-up (Deccan Chronicle) describes the background and core idea behind ‘Kochi-Muziris Biennale’, now almost midway through its 3-month exhibition period. Explaining how it’s striving to provide a truly global platform and identity to contemporary Indian art, the writer makes some interesting observations. We summarize them for our readers:
The Biennale, on for a period of 3 months, is one not to be missed by and for art lovers, for its quality content and the exciting spirit of enterprise it demonstrates.
- Probably the country’s biggest exposition and public showcase (area-wise) of contemporary art, this is a unique example of government and private enterprise. It brings together some of India’s biggest names in contemporary art in an innovative manner, together with several international artists.
- It was in May 2010 that two Mumbai-based artists of Kerala origin, Bose Krishnamachari and Riyas Komu, were approached by the then culture minister of Kerala, M A Baby, to seriously consider launching an international art project in the state. The ambitious contemporary art event and seeks to fill the gap of an international platform for contemporary art in India.
- Spread across various venues including the Aspinwall House, the Parade Grounds, the Fort Kochi Beach, the Jew Town Godowns, Cochin Club and many more locations in the unique Fort Kochi area. As a run-up to the event, in April, the Durbar Hall in Kochi had hosted German modern artist Eberhard Havekost’s exhibition Sightseeing Trip, held in collaboration with the Dresden State Art Collections.
- Taking a cue from the Venice Biennale, the duo proposed a similar exposition to connect Kochi and the maritime era of the ancient Muzaris port. The proposal was accepted and after considerable effort on their part, the event materialized on December 12, 2012. The first edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale offers a chance of seeing works of around 90 artists, half of whom are Indian and many from Kerala.
- Most of the better-known Indian contemporary artists are creating works on location. Subodh Gupta has chosen to use a 60-ft wooden boat filled with old local cooking vessels, furniture and other odds and ends; Vivan Sundaram has created a 40-foot installation on the Muzaris theme, using pottery shards and Atul Dodiya presents an installation of photographs.
- Kochi has been transformed in more ways than one, as dramatic graffiti has changed mouldy walls and houses into backdrops for unique works of art. Using the dark moldy areas as black, artists have created strange sea creatures running along the walls.
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