The Kochi Muziris Biennale which started on 12 December 2018 is coming to a close on 29 March. This Curated exposition of contemporary art, held every two years at the old heritage town of Fort Kochi drew more crowds than the previous editions. The Curator this year is Anita Dube and her theme is 'Possibilities for a non-alienated life" which according to her expresses a desire for liberation and comradeship that could spill into a politics of friendship.This has been conceived in two parts- the Exhibition which is a symphony of ideas and the Pavilion a performative architectural space. The intention was to establish a real connect than a virtual connect and the spaces are used to forefront marginalized voices. No wonder the exhibits from several reputed international artists has about 50% contribution from women.
The Biennale is spread over 8 venues in Fort Kochi and one in the mainland Ernakulam. The venues are heritage buildings built during the Dutch, Portugese and British rule or by the local Rajas. Fort Kochi with its multi cultural back gorund and cuisine, itself is a popular International destination for tourists visiting the state of Kerala on the south west coast of Kochi, adjoining the Arabian sea and the numerous backwater lakes. Many a public wall in the area have been decorated with art work.
I made a visit in February and I am sharing some photographs taken then. I am no connossieur of art and title descriptions may not be what was there, but what I understood and recollected from the guided tour. You need atleast a day to cover the Fort Kochi side. From March onwards entry is free on Mondays. Otherwise you have to pay Rs.100. Well if you missed this chance, dont worry plan to be in Kochi during Dec 2020 to March 2021 forthe next edition. Fort Kochi is about 40 kms from the Cochin International airport.
For details check up http://kochimuzirisbiennale.org/