Enchanting Kerala

KERALA TOURISM NEWSLETTER

Kochi-Muziris Biennale

Kochi is turning herself into a new pilgrim destination. But this time it's not a religious pilgrimage, but one that is devoted to artistic expressions. This pilgrimage is meant for all those who, at some corner of his/her heart keep a passion for arts. Yes, we are talking about the much awaited Kochi-Muziris Biennale, which was recently kicked-off in Kochi.

No other place can handle the thrust of such a big event as Biennale than Kochi, Muziris, and the surrounding islands. Kochi with its multi-cultural past and Muziris the ancient port city believed to have existed in the region, are undoubtedly ideal venues to host the first of its kind event in India. The region has already become a minuscule of global art circuit by featuring the best from that part.

This monumental event brings in about 80 artists from 24 countries besides India who would be presenting their paintings, sculptures, installations, films and performing arts at 14 venues spread across Fort Kochi, Ernakulam and Mattancherry. The region easily shifts into a carnival land as these artists bring in the fervour of both the contemporary and traditional arts, folk as well as classical arts from different parts of the world. Shows are arranged in existing galleries and halls and heritage buildings.

Amanullah Mojadidi, Jonas Staal, Ernesto Neto, Ariel Hassan, Joseph Semah are some of the big names from the contemporary art scenario, who are there to fascinate us with their best works of art.

Public installations and site-specific evolutionary works have already caught the attention of all. Among them the most remarkable is a sculpture of Chinnathampi Annavi, the founder of Biblical dance-theatre 'Chavittunatakam,' which was a unique feature of the erstwhile Muziris.

Another impressive segment in this mammoth event is the indigenous performing and folk arts in which are featured the precious gems of ancient Sanskrit theatre including Koodiyattom, Nangiarkoothu, Chavittunatakam along with Islamic music, Ghazals and Kathakali. The rhythm would be boosted by Kerala's folk, ritualistic and percussion arts. An added impetus would be given by the screening of the films made by auteur Adoor Gopalakrishnan.

Biennale promises to offer an alternative cultural discourse for artists, art lovers, researchers, collectors, students and thinkers around the world where they intermingle and exchange their creative ideas and inspiring thoughts.

For more details log on to:- http://kochimuzirisbiennale.org/