Photo: The Cochin Club
By
Shevlin Sebastian
At
a get-together, organised on the eve of the Kochi Biennale, at
the Cochin Club, at Fort Kochi, there is a vibrant energy
floating around in the hall. There are artists like Ernesto
Neto, of Brazil, in a white T-shirt and shorts, and the lean and
tough Guiseppe Stampone, with long, thin strands of hair under
his chain, and a bead necklace around his neck.
And there is art
lover Vinod Gangotra, from the UK, wearing bright blue trousers
and a white T-shirt. “Be colourful is my motto,” he says.
And there is Mahlet Ogbe from Asmara, Eritrea in Africa. Wearing
a white shirt and a colourful skirt, she says, “This is my
first visit to India, and it is simply magical. I felt an air of
lightness the moment I landed. The people are so sweet.”
And
in the middle of the gathering, one man stood out: Dr. Thomas
Girst, Head of Cultural Engagement, BMW Group. He was wearing a
striking blue suit, with a multi-coloured tie, and shining black
shoes. “I look like a sponsor, don't I?” says Thomas, with a
smile. “I am excited by the Kochi Biennale. It is going to
change the art scene in India.”
Meanwhile,
Paul Greenaway, the director of a gallery in
Adelaide, Australia, hugs Riyas Komu, Secretary of the Kochi Biennale
Foundation, and says, “I liked your speech.”
In his welcome
remarks, to the artists, collectors, trustees, media
professionals, sponsors and guests present, Riyaz had said,
“This project has come up against all odds. I have to salute all the artists who
are taking part.”
Adds
Bose Krishnamachari, president of the Kochi Biennale Foundation,
“This is not Kochi's Biennale, but India's.” He receives a
round of applause for that.
Later,
on the pier at Aspinwall House, there is journalist Rachel
Spence of London taking in the afternoon sun. “There is so
much of energy and enthusiasm all around,” she says. “I know
there have been a lot of challenges. I spoke to a lot of
people today, and they told me that the best aspect of this event is that it is run by artists.”
Kerala should be proud that such a wonderful
festival of art is taking place on its soil.
(A shorter version appeared in The New Indian Express, Kochi)
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