By
Anuradha K. R.
Photography:
courtesy Kochi Muziris
Debut edition
of the much-publicized Kochi-Muziris Biennale is all set to begin on 12/12/12.
IAnD takes a peek into the rising expectations of the arteratti and India’s fast-altering hierarchy on the global art
scenario…
The
picture-perfect southern city of Kochi and its mythical predecessor, Muziris
are ready to welcome a new artistic mindset with the three-month long visual art
extravaganza - India’s first Biennale. While the mega art eventproposes to transform
Kochi into a cultural and artistic hub, showcasinga vibrant array of
contemporary art practices from across the globe,thevisual art enthusiasts in Indiaderive
the first-hand benefit ofexperiencing the rejuvenated cultural and artistic wave.
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| Build-Up |
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| Work of Art by Ernesto Neto |
Brainchild
of BoseKrishnamachari and RiyasKomu,who have carved a niche for themselves in
the visual art arena, the Biennale explores all forms of visual art: painting,
sculpture, indoor and outdoor art installations, film, performing art and
digital media through exhibitions, talks, seminars, screenings, music performances
and other educational activities.The Biennale plans to initiate a lively, strong
and broad-based art-culture that has elements drawn from all regions of the
world.
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| Performance at Annual Rings |
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| Previous Work by Artist Subodh Gupta |
For
India’s art industry, grappling with poor infrastructure, lack of museum
culture and lots of institutional problems, an event of this scale demands and
puts into perspective,excellent art infrastructure, initiating the development
of new facilities and augmenting the existing like never before. With the
government of Kerala, deciding to set up a hundred art galleries, the ripple
effects are being felt, even before the event has set off.
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| Street Art -Amitabh Kumar at Work |
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| Street Art -Anpu Varkey at Work on The Fish, at KMB 2012 Venue Pepper House. |
As a
prelude to the Biennale, a number of events are already underway. ‘Annual
Rings’, a literary and cultural festival has witnessed some spectacular
performances. Street Art has received a tremendous boost and the city is all
decked up to welcome the event. Kochi, in its newfound status as a Biennale
City is all set to welcome NaliniMalani’s Multimedia works, UBIK’s experiments
with a variety of mediums, Ariel Hassan’s paintings, sculptures, photographs
and installations among other stalwart works of art. Screening of ten
international films chosen by renowned film maker AdoorGopalakrishnan is on the
cards as well.
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| Some of the participating artists |
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A group of 15 Architecture students from the University of Kent
travelled to Kochi on a study trip to research Kochi-Muziris Biennale |
With
artists of the caliber of Alfredo Jarr, AmanullaMojadidi and Jonas Staalparticipating
in the event, Kochi-Muziris Biennale will serve as a much needed catalyst in infusing
energy into the art scenario of India.
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Artist Jonas Staal presenting his work at 'Let's Talk - with artist Jonas Staal' as part of the
Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2012 outreach programme |
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| Educational Outreach Programs |
I'm sorry I won't be there to participate myself! A real "coming of age" event, and a great precursor for the India Art Fair in late January, which I will attend. The fact that a work by Subodh Gupta has been acquired by the Abu Dhabi Louvre project, and that the Tate seems to have established a committee to discuss acquisitions from India would indicate that Indian art is set to move centre stage in 2013. Good luck at the Biennale, keep us posted.
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