Kochi Muziris Biennale: How the Indian art world sees it

As activity around the various venues of the Kochi Muziris Biennale gathers pace, with art lovers, tourists and locals flocking to the 29-odd venues hosting art-related events, some of the leading names from the Indian art world are taking a look at what the Biennale means not only to the art community, but also to the regular people of the city.

Kiran Nadar Photo Courtesy: @Mohammed Roshan

i love it

Kochi Biennale is evolving, I like it. There have been problems in the past but they seem to have been resolved. For me, the atmosphere, getting work from young artists, showcasing them, getting the participation of local people… that’s the biggest asset, the People’s Biennale is part of that. The atmosphere at this Biennale is great and everyone is feeling a sense of accomplishment… so that’s good!

Kiran Nadar

Founder and Chairman, Kiran Nadar Art Museum

Aparajita Jain Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

KMB has put India on the art map

It’s really just about the art, not the commerce of it, although the funny thing is that everything is about funding. But it’s a place where the artist can actually work without the pressure to sell. Therefore, biennales are very important. For the country, this is one of the more important biennales, although there are others in the country such as the Calcutta Biennale and the Chennai Photo Biennale, this may be the first of its kind. The scale of the Kochi Biennale is larger, much more international. If we want things to happen in India, we have to make them happen. It has given us so much, it has put our country on the map [of the international art world] And becomes one of the centers of conversation when it comes to art.

Aparajita Jain

Director, Nature Morte Art Gallery, Mumbai

Shirin Gandhi Photo Courtesy: Vivek Bendre

‘We love it’

The first year I had doubts [the first edition of the KMB in 2012] When I came. The moment I stepped into Aspinwall House in Kochi, everything was a mess. But, for the first time, I realized that the Indian art world had come together for something. This was the beginning of a love affair, which hasn’t really taken off. Of course the last time it didn’t happen I was heartbroken [on time] Like when things don’t happen on time, we get upset. It’s only because we love it so much. To me, everyone here, the locals, are very proud of it. I remember the rickshaw puller showing us around where a particular artiste was performing. People are very present. From what I’ve seen, for me the word is visceral. It is only by looking at the works that you get a feel for its design. Nikhil and the gang have such a spirit…they are artists and the performative element comes through [in the curation],

Shirin Gandhi

Chemold Art Gallery, Mumbai

Roshni Vadehra Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

amazing energy and vibrancy

I think it is one of the most important art gatherings in the country. The energy and vibrancy is amazing. It brings the art community together, it’s amazing how the public enjoy it and how they connect with the art. A new, local audience is connecting with contemporary art, which is wonderful and includes general audiences from around the world. It is a very proud moment for the Indian art world to have something like this in our country; Gaining attraction and attention over time. Since the world is looking seriously at South Asian art, this is an opportunity for everyone to come and see what we have to offer. International names such as Marina Abrahamovic will perform alongside South Asian artists.

Roshni Vadehra,

Gallerist/Collector

Director, Vadehra Art Gallery