Replicate Biennale model: President Pranab Mukherjee

KOCHI: Noting that the Kochi Biennale Foundation was a good example of what is possible when different agencies come together to pursue profound goals, President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday said here that the Biennale model needed to be replicated across the country. “The collaborative nature of the partnership between the government and the KBF, and the very successful result of that partnership, is proof of what can be achieved when a government invests in culture. Public funding for the arts provides support, offers certainty and the opportunity to touch the lives of vast numbers of people,” the President said.

The President was speaking at the inauguration of a KBF seminar, organised in collaboration with the tourism department, titled ‘Importance of Sustainable Culture-building’ at the Pavilion in Cabral Yard, Fort Kochi, on Thursday. The event was attended by Governor Justice P. Sathasivam, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Kochi Corporation Mayor Soumini Jain, Minister for Tourism Kadakampally Surendan, Prof. K.V. Thomas MP and K.J. Maxi MLA.

“Kerala has always been known for its secular approach towards art and culture. The Biennale is a proud symbol of this approach and the sense of oneness and inclusivity that exists here. The KMB has become an integral part of the cultural calendar of our country,” he added. Observing that the Biennale had “transformed ‘God’s Own Country’ into a paradise of the world of art”, Governor Sathasivam said, “KMB is a laudable attempt to sustain the peaceful co-existence that has always marked Kerala society and culture.”

In his address, the Chief Minister reiterated the state government’s resolve and commitment – previously articulated at the KMB 2016 opening ceremony – to finding India’s only Biennale a permanent venue in the state. KBF president Bose Krishnamachari delivered the vote of thanks at the ceremony, which saw in attendance a host of dignitaries including Kerala Tourism Principal Secretary Dr Venu V. and former minister M.A. Baby, among others. KBF Secretary Riyas Komu presented a memento to the President during the function.

President takes a tour of installations

Making the maiden visit by a sitting Indian head of state to the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB), President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday had a glimpse of the diverse array of the artistic production at the third edition of India’s only Biennale.
After inaugurating a seminar at the pavilion at Cabral Yard, the President went on a guided tour of the primary venue, Aspinwall House, by KMB 2016 curator Sudarshan Shetty. Accompanying the President were Governor Justice P. Sathasivam, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Kochi Corporation Mayor Ms Soumini Jain and Minister for Tourism Kadakampally Surendran. The President first visited the epic mural ‘12 stories (of the 12 Progeny)’ being worked on by participating artist P.K. Sadanandan.

Taking an interest in the wall painting, he listened attentively as the master muralist explained the story behind each panel. After looking over the space for theatre practitioner’s Anamika Haksar’s stage production ‘composition on water’ and visiting artist Gauri Gill’s photo exhibition ‘Traces’, the President visited Chilean poet-revolutionary Raúl Zurita’s installation ‘Sea of Pain’. The group, together with KMB co-founders Bose Krishnamachari and Riyas Komu, concluded the tour with a visit to American artist Camille Norment’s sound art installation ‘Prime’.

Sharing a bench —equipped with exciters that generate vibrations in sync with sounds played over loudspeakers — with Pinarayi Vijayan, the President looked out over the sea. Others in the group, including the Governor and Kadakampally Surendran, partook of the experience. The President had landed at the Navy Airport at 3.30 pm, where he was welcomed by the Governor, the Chief Minister, the Mayor, the Tourism Minister, Opposition leader Mr Ramesh Chennithala, former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, DGP Loknath Behera and Kochi Biennale Foundation Trustee Bonny Thomas.