As a first time visitor to the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, the experience was exhilarating and there was not enough time to absorb the entire content provided there. But the most interesting aspect I could notice, apart from the exhibits, was the enormous crowd of youngsters gathered at these venues of the old Cochin port area — the Aspinwall House, the Pepper House, David Hall and the other smaller places selected for the purpose.
What started as curiosity, slowly became focused observation. They came in different age groups, from various backgrounds, colourful as can be, adding fun and frolic to the otherwise sombre air. Many had their cell phones, covering the exhibits with photographs and some were more professional with sophisticated cameras in hand.
There was excited conversation but not the noisy disturbance for the others. There was a sense of purpose in them, which led me to conversations with a few to understand the reason for their participation. “We came to see the art as we believe art has the power to change things”, “We like the entire idea of having this huge show in our place, which has a rich culture and tradition”, “Many of these expressions are similar to what we feel, to undo many repressive ideas, whether they are about the gay activism or the shackles of female supression,” and the topics shared were endless.
The effect
The many queries were discussed with no fear or anxiety of being misquoted as they seemed aware of their power in changing the world. After all, isn’t it true today that the youth of India is 50 percentage of its total population below the age of 25, and 65% below the age of 35, are waiting to set the rules of tomorrow?
This is a positive trend as youngsters are exposed to art and culture, history and traditions as an ever-changing society is being formed anew, based on these, yet remaining and retaining its values.
This also gave the thought of how responsible the other half of the generation should be, in setting up patterns and discourses for them, or is it wrong even to present any? The answer is yes and no. Yes, because, we have a responsibility towards what is coming in the future and no, as in, the thinking of J. Krishnamurthy it is for them to find for themselves.
The larger thought process is how the art forms can impact our youth. Tremendously, I must say, and in the right spirit too. For, those who are veterans and exposed to many of the work exhibited, it is the meaning of what the authors want to express; from this years exhibits and from the curator Anita Dube’s words, “Possibilities for a non-alienated life asks and searches for questions in the hope of dialogue”.
And for the others who are new comers to the idea of art and exhibitions like this, be the Kochi Biennale or the Chennai Photo Biennale, it is the introduction to the idea that is essential. How the person takes it, and utilises it, in his or her thoughts and actions, is purely up to that individual; as a collective responsibility we only facilitate that atmosphere and encourage the young and the old to participate and be enriched by such experiences.
