Kick start to Kochi -Muziris –Biennale in Kochi

The fourth edition of Kochi -Muziris –Biennale was inaugurated in the Kochi attracting the native as well as global art lovers with its mysterious magnetism. The Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the event which would be the main attraction of the city for the next for 108-days, during which about 90 artists from across the globe will put up their illustrations in crafty designs at the venues in Ernakulum, Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. At a function held at the Parade Ground in Fort Kochi, the Chief Minister underlined the importance of art in life and the role that the Biennale plays in making Kochi a melting pot of different shades of artistic talent. He also touched upon the financial fragility of the state government in the wake of the devastating floods in August, and how the administration has chosen not to keep a distance away from holding the Biennale.

The Biennale this year has a specialty – it has its first woman curator in Anita Dube, an accomplished contemporary artist who has chosen the theme ‘Possibilities for a non-alienated life’ for the projects this year. The Biennale this year has more of female and queer artists than men. “When I was given the responsibility of curating the festival, I began with a dream.  I am happy to have it accomplished” Dube said.

The Biennale, which will go on till March 29, 2019, features 94 artistic projects by over 100 independent artists across ten venues, mainly in Ernakulum, Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. Apart from art installations, there would be infra projects, lectures, movie screenings, music performances and workshops. There is also an exclusive ‘Students Biennale’, organized by the selected groups of college students from across the country. In 2016-17, close to 6 lakh people had visited the Biennale.

With the biennale open, it seems like the right time to visit Kochi as along with exuberance of art, a tourist can feel the full charm of Kochi which is known as the queen of the Arabian Sea. It is indeed the best time to watch the beautiful sunset over the Chinese Fishing nets and to visit the Colonial heritage sites at Fort Kochi and Mattanchery, travelling through the ripples of the Kochi Lake.