Kochi: Lewis Biggs, founder-director of the Liverpool Biennial and Shihoko Iida, Aichin Triennale curator, have lauded the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB), in its third edition now, as unique owing to its geography, history, spaces, and people. They said it stood out from any other art event in the world.
“KMB 2016 is not a replication of any other biennial or art festival in the world,” said Mr. Biggs. “This is my first experience, and I am happy that more people are joining in because this edition has included performing arts with visual art works,” said the curator, who helmed the Liverpool Biennial for a decade till 2011.
On the overarching theme of the edition, ‘forming in the pupil of an eye’, he said curators always tried to bring out innovative titles to attract the art crowd. “India has a very strong culture and heritage that add advantage to the festival. Moreover, Fort Kochi is geographically beautiful,” he added.
Tokyo-based curator Shihoko Iida spoke about the historical relevance of KMB in rebuilding a consciousness among the local people about the multiple cultural influences on this ancient town and its evolution into a vibrant place.
“A lot of changes and mobility have happened since the 15th and 16th centuries. People tend to forget what has happened in the past, but KMB will function as a reminder to the past and build the future,” Ms. Iida said.
“All the venues are important heritage sites, with nuances of the colonial era, reminding viewers about the geography and history of Kochi,” she observed. “Also, the tropical and eco-friendly surroundings provide a very dynamic and organic atmosphere. I have become a great fan of KMB and am already looking forward to the next edition.”
Storytelling programme
A storytelling programme, held on Saturday as part of the Art By Children (ABC) initiative, had children turn all ears to two theatre performers, one of them dressed like a clown.
“Initially, the children were a bit reluctant to engage with the two artistes, but once Akhil and Arun started narrating stories and singing, they responded with great interest,” said Manu Jose, theatre actor and organiser of ABC.
Novelist K.L. Mohanavarma, who visited the biennale with his grandchildren, spoke about the enormous role played by the event in fostering the imagination of children.
“We try to fit them into boxes, but the biennale is a ground to grow their imagination,” he said.
Artist Riyas Komu, co-founder of KMB, introduced the concept of biennale to a huge batch of Student Police Cadre (SPC) from Government HSS, Thoppumpady. “Don’t walk in line when you are here. Look at the exhibits at your pace,” he advised them. “Our aim, through the biennale, is to build an ecosystem to appreciate art and enhance society’s outlook. There are various mediums — painting, sculpture, music, video, and theatre — used here. This will expand your knowledge in your future professions,” he told the young visitors. As part of a three-day Christmas camp at TD High School for SPC, 82 students from Mattancherry’s TD High School were also brought to the biennale venues.
