Throwback to Kochi Biennale 2018-'19

Kochi Muziris Biennale is one of the biggest events which happen in Kochi, Kerala. This is undoubtedly the most awaited biggest arts festival for all the art lovers across India. The fourth edition of Kochi Muziris Biennale dates were set from December 12, 2018, to March 29, 2019. Anita Dube was curator for this fourth edition.

Kerala will never forget this year, 2018. A catastrophic monsoon hit Kerala real hard. Keralites saw the worst flooding in these regions for over a century, more than 680 people died and a few 100 went missing. Roads and other public properties were destroyed. Thousands were left homeless and were estimated to be over 2,00,000. We keralites were slowly recovering from the monsoon catastrophe.

As we made our way through the installations, the first thing which caught my attention was the “Ecocide and the Rise of Free Fall” by Marzia Farhana. Flood affected objects were hanging upside down and few were suspended across the room. These suspended objects represented our situation during the floods, which represents the transitional phase in history.

“Ecocide and the Rise of Free Fall” by Marzia Farhana.

“Ecocide and the Rise of Free Fall” by Marzia Farhana.

“Ecocide and the Rise of Free Fall” by Marzia Farhana.

“Ecocide and the Rise of Free Fall” by Marzia Farhana.

“Ecocide and the Rise of Free Fall” by Marzia Farhana.

Another series of work which caught my attention was by Mr. Cyrus Kabiru, a collection of sculptural eyewear rendered through self portrait wearing his creations. Sue Williamson’s “One Hundred and nineteen deeds of sale”, was another unique installation. The artist sourced linen cloths traditionally worn by the working class in India and there were hand written information which include the name given to them by their master, gender, age, etc.This installation made me ponder over how humans were treated in the olden days. My mind couldn’t help wondering the plight of these people who were bought and sold like they were some things to use.

Mr. Cyrus Kabiru's collection of sculptural eyewear

Sue Williamson’s “One Hundred and nineteen deeds of sale”

Sue Williamson’s “One Hundred and nineteen deeds of sale”

Sue Williamson’s “One Hundred and nineteen deeds of sale”

Mr Sun, by Eb Itso

Eb Itso, is an artist whose practice brings to light the underbelly of urban spaces, and the margins of the daily life. For Mr Sun (slow violence), Itso hung a huge rubber tire in mid air. He was showcasing massive presence points to environmental impact of development related to tourism.

Then there was Valie Export’s installation work “Fragmente der Bilder einer Berührung” ( Fragments of Images of Contingence) which consisted of glass cylinders with various liquids like milk, water, oil etc into which light bulbs were submerged. This work radically flaunted the idea of risk and danger through physical fusion of liquids with electricity. Also the installation had other video performances by the artist. This installation was kind projected to me the risks present around us.

Valie Export’s “Fragmente der Bilder einer Berührung” 

Valie Export’s “Fragmente der Bilder einer Berührung” 

Valie Export’s “Fragmente der Bilder einer Berührung” 

Sue Williamson’s message from “Atlantic Passages” is an installation that showcased the bureaucratic records of human slave trades across the ocean.

“Atlantic Passages” by Sue Williamson

“Atlantic Passages” by Sue Williamson

Art Room for Children

For kids to interact and learn there was an art room opened for nurturing kids talent as a part of Art by Children project. We went there with our little one and he had a great time playing around.

I am very excited now that the fifth edition of Kochi-Muziris Biennale starts from 12th December 2022 and would be happening till 10th April 2023. Dont forget to visit this years biennale. All the venues will be open every day from 10 AM till 06 PM and there would be universal free entry every Monday. The tickets (different ticket options even with student concessions ) are available for purchase online as well as at Aspinwall House. So I am totally looking forward to spend some quality time at all the biennale venues this year.

I have put up this blog so that all those who couldn't make it to cochin last time in 2018-'19 would get a feel of the Biennale and would surely visit this time around. 

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Rahul Devakumar

Creative Media Studio

We take photos as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone.