Kochi Muziris Biennale-2014

Uma Prakash

Uma Prakash appreciates the efforts and outcome of putting together a vivid assortment of unique and innovative works by 94 artists as she takes a closer look at some of them in the second edition of this sprawling yet unpretentious art biennale titled Whorled Explorations.

The second edition of Kochi- Muziris Biennale titled ‘Whorled Explorations’ features 94 artists from 30 countries in 8 locations. Curated by artist, curator Jitish Kallat, it resonates the pride of the region as two historical events in Kerala are reflected in most of the works on display. In the early 15th century, when the Kerala mathematicians were working on complex astronomical problems, navigators arrived seeking spices and riches. Thus began an age of exchange, and a colonisation which changed the seat of powers in the world. The Kochi-Muziris Biennale is an artist‘s initiative founded by artists Bose Krishnamachari and Riyas Komu in 2012 who managed to put it together inspite of financial constraints and lack of infrastructure. They have created a noncommercial platform allowing the artists absolute freedom to make meaningful works. It has been wowed by the artist community in India and abroad, as endorsed by the second edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale. Held in heritage warehouses bungalows and boatyards – remnants of the spice trade that once flourished in Kochi, the biennale connects the past with the future, and the global with the outer space, through paintings, sculptures, installations, videos and performance art. It confirms that by delving into our past we can understand the mysteries of the universe.