Kochi-Muziris Biennale on ‘For the Time Being’ encourages artists worldwide: PMO adviser

The Kochi-Muziris Biennale has emerged as a source of encouragement for artists around the world, Tarun Kapoor, an adviser in the Prime Minister’s Office, said during a visit to the venue in Fort Kochi on Wednesday.

Kapoor praised the artworks on display for their concepts, form, depth, scale and aesthetics, noting that they strongly reflected the theme of the sixth edition of the Biennale, For the Time Being. The theme explores ideas of memory, history, presence and absence, according to an official statement.

During his visit, Kapoor viewed artworks at the main venue, Aspinwall House, including installations at the historic Director’s Bungalow and the Coir Godown. He was accompanied by Cochin Port Trust Chairman B Kasiviswanathan and Kochi Biennale Foundation CEO Thomas Varghese, who welcomed him to the Biennale.

“It’s too short a visit to speak more on the works,” Kapoor remarked as art mediator Arundhati Karthik introduced the artists and explained their creations.

Karthik guided Kapoor through a three-part work by the Panjeri Artists’ Union Collective, comprising 14 artists from West Bengal. The collective uses visual elements and objects from their home state to make political statements on the plight of migrants.

She also showcased the surrealistic works of Dhiraj Rabha depicting insurgency in Assam, Birendar Yadav’s portrayals of life and labour in brick kilns, and R B Shajith’s paintings capturing rapidly disappearing lush landscapes and traditional Kerala architecture.

Kapoor further viewed Kirtika Kain’s depiction of the Dalit diaspora, Pallavi Paul’s installation exploring the body and its journey, and Biraaj Dodiya’s work examining dualities. The tour also included works by Zarina Muhammed and archival exhibits of the Marina Abramovic Institute housed at the Aspinwall Bungalow.