Venues spruced up for Biennale

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Kochi is gearing up for the finest and richest international art extravaganza, the Kochi Muziris Biennale.

The Kochi Biennale Foundation is actively engaged in sprucing up more than eight historically significant venues in Fort Kochi, which can be developed as an international architectural space for art exhibitions.

There will be shows in the existing galleries and halls, and site-specific installations in public spaces, heritage buildings and disused structures.

“As many as eight venues have been identified for conducting the event, including the recently renovated Durbar Hall art gallery, David Hall, Aspin wall, Pepper House, Bastion House and Cochin Club. In addition to the permanent venues, godowns, warehouses, public spaces like Parade Grounds, Vasco da Gama Square, children’s park, Subhash Bose park and Marine Drive will be used for shows,” said Riyas Komu, director of programmes of the Kochi Biennale.

Durbar Hall art gallery is the premium site where works requiring climate controlled space will be exhibited.

“Some venues have been retained in the existing condition as the artists who visited the sites prefer it. Only some lighting arrangements are needed for these spaces,” Komu said. The recently refurbished Aspin wall, with its beautiful location and structure, is one of the important sites.

Public art projects have been conceived at various spaces in Muziris as part of the Biennale. “These permanent projects at Muziris will be initiated with the involvement of the local community and will be completed within two years,” he said.

All spaces selected for the event are known for their rich colonial influence. “All these sites were developed by the Portuguese, Dutch and British,” said Boney Thomas of the Biennale Foundation.