Kochi Art, Culture, Literature, Kochi-Muziris Biennale

[Malayaali]

'Biennale not a venue to sell works of art'

The Kochi-Muziris Biennale will help provide Kochi a route on the international art map. The biennale is not a venue to sell works of art, but something that will create an independent venue for artists to present their works, said Riyas Komu, one of the organizers of the biennale, at a debate at Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy here on Tuesday.

Bose Krishnamachari, the other organizer, was also present. Artist Shajan Nellayi was the mediator at the debate organized by the Trichur Cultural Forum.

Riyas Komu said in many countries biennale was held based on some major issuein that country. In South Africa, the biennale was based on apartheid. In Sri Lanka, it was started after the collapse of the LTTE, and in Berlin it was based on the collapse of the Berlin Wall. "In Kochi, we are starting it with the cosmopolitan history of Muziris." No such biennale has ever been held in India, that is why issues have been cropping up overthe Kochi Biennale, Riyas Komu said. In 2005, there was an effort to conduct a biennale, but that did not materialize.

At the cultural extravaganza in Kochi, 80 artists from 20 countries will participate. Of them, 65 have been invited, he added. The Kochi Biennale will last three months, and will be held at various venues in Kochi from 12 December 2012. On the minimal representation of Kerala artists in the Biennale trust, he said of the 80 artists who will participate, 20% would be from Kerala. "The first biennale will be based on the theme, 'reactionary' works. But, sadly artists in Kerala do not belong to that genre. They do not react to socio-political situations in Kerala through their works," Komu said. He said Ai Weiwei, one of China's best known artists who was under arrest, had expressed interest in presenting his works at the Kochi Biennale. Defending the funding from cultural and private organizations to conduct the programme, he said, the biennale was not to privatize art. "It is a convergence of artists".

Mediator Shajan asked why the government was funding the programme on a large-scale, while public institutions like the Lalithakala Academy were languishing on account of lack of infrastructure facilities. To this Komu said: "With the Rs 5 crore the government provided us, we renovated the Durbar Hall. We will be handing over a new state-of-the-art Durbar Hall. to the Lalithakala Academy.

Such Independent programmes will give public institutions an impetus to conduct new programmes and that will prevent young artists from migratingto other states."

Artists will have new presentation facilities like video art projects at the Kochi Biennale. We have given special projects to college students in Kerala based on the theme, 'non-violence', Komu said. He added that they would conduct the programme even without any further financial help from the government.

[Malayaali]

Proudly promoting Finnish art

Artistes from Finland perform a dance drama at the ongoing Finnish Art Week in Kochi.

The ongoing Finnish Art Week in Kochi is the first festival in such a scale to promote Finnish art in Kerala.

Finnish films, dance drama, exhibition of Finnish visual arts and a workshop are being held as part of the Art Week.

The Visual arts exhibition at Nanappa Art Gallery includes sculptures, textile art, cartoon, photographs, ceramics, graphics and video art. The visiting Finnish artists will have a workshop together with Lokadharmi Theatre Group.

The final day of the workshop will see a performance, Two Mothers in the Realm of Death, at Changampuzha Park in Edappally.

The exhibition is on till May 24.

[Malayaali]

Biennale will be a model: Subodh Gupta

Eminent artist Subodh Gupta — the most recognisable face of Indian contemporary art across the globe — has thrown his weight behind the proposed Kochi-Muziris Biennale, terming it as ‘unique and new' to the country.

In Kochi recently to scan the biennale exhibition spaces as also to conceive his own work for the event, Mr. Gupta said that the government should naturally support the venture. “It [the biennale] seeks to showcase quality art and artists and should, therefore, be supported by the government and private players. It will be a role-model for the country. Kochi is a great place to have the biennale of India. It is a blessed place…. Whenever someone tries to bring something that has never happened in the country before, there will always be opposition…. If they [organisers of biennale] are transparent about expenditure, nobody should have any problem with that,” he said.

Mr. Gupta expressed happiness over the quality of venues converted for the conduct of the event beginning 12/12/12. “Local people are supporting them. You have a very good place for the biennale,” he said, adding he was excited about presenting a work at the art carnival. The artist said Kochi would stand to benefit economically and artistically from the event. “The city will find a place in the international circuit. Look at what's happening to Venice. Why is it that Basel art fair is happening there and not in a city like Zurich? Why is Kassel the place for Documentas? Kassel is not Berlin or an important city in Germany. Kochi, being a little far away from the national capital or ‘happening' cities, has a unique character, which makes it ideal to host the event. First of all, it brings livelihood. They city becomes more recognisable as it would come on the international tourist map,” he said.

Patronage for art was something still to pick up in the country, Mr. Gupta said. “We have a long way to go. That is why I extend my full support to anyone doing something of this scale. The county of over billion doesn't have a single contemporary art museum by the government… Go to Shanghai or Beijing and you will find 30 to 40 art museums within a city.” On art, he said it was important for an artist to create own language. It was a difficult task, though. “I guess, in Kochi, artist Zakir Hussain has it,” said Mr. Gupta, adding that his biggest inspiration had been people he met in every day life.

[Malayaali]

Museums must reveal the past, says scholar

The Dutch Palace in Mattancherry needs a few corrections, though the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has maintained it well, the academic dean of the Centre for Heritage Studies (CHS) M.G. Sasibhoosan said.

On seeing the exhibits, visitors to the palace might get the impression that the Kochi kings were all dark skinned, which is not true. Secondly, the palace's ground floor is with the Pazhayanoor Temple. The floor must be urgently handed over to the ASI, he said while speaking on ‘New challenges and new experiences of museums', at the International Museum Day celebrations organised here by the ASI.

Commending the famed mural paintings at the museum, Dr. Sasibhoosan, who was a member of a Central committee aiming to better the condition of museums, said that they stand out since importance is given to expressions (‘bhavam') than anatomy.

Museums must reveal the broad-mindedness, pettiness and mistakes of our forefathers, he said, and added that the national museum in New Delhi is among the few museums in India that conform to international norms. “Most other museums, including private ones are in bad shape. Historians and museum guides must strive to change the situation. Changes must be made in exhibition techniques. Sadly, many rare Indian art works, some of those from Kerala, adorn museums in Germany and the U.S.”

Referring to a private museum in a nearby district, where an entry fee of Rs. 100 is charged, he said that hardly any guests come there since the private collections on display are mostly crystal ware.

Referring to the plight of museums in Kerala, he said that inadequacies plague most museums in the State, including the Hill Palace Museum in Tripunithura. “The palace does not need as many exhibits. Visitors are more interested about the simple 18th century king (who lived there). The palanquin at the entrance was not used by the Kochi king.”

Among others who spoke was the ASI's Assistant Superintending Archaeologist M. Kali Muthu.

[Malayaali]

This artist is here to experiment with large spaces

For an art critic, the works of Sudarshan Shetty is "surreptitiously surrealistic". At Art Brussels this May, a wooden sculpture by Shetty -- Untitled (Crash Car) -- was sold for 45,000 euros. However, such an introduction isn't measure enough to gauge the worth of this Mangalore native.

The 52-year-old Mumbai-based artist was recently in Kochi, upbeat about being part of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale exhibition that will begin in the city on December 12.

"I believe Kochi Biennale will become an event that would treat art as a primary concern. And Kochi is the right place for such an event," said the celebrated artist.

For the biennale he wants to experiment more with larger spaces, making art out of the neglected godowns and old buildings. Shetty is particularly well known for his large-sized sculptures and installations, like one of his recent works, 'Flying Bus', anchored to the ground at Maker Maxity complex in Bandra-Kurla Complex with its giant stainless steel wings.

"The complex history and culture of Kochi lie camouflaged under its growing cosmopolitanism. Visiting Muziris and walking on the streets of Fort Kochi have made me a fan of this place. The run-down Jewish synagogues and forgotten old buildings as a whole can be part of the art theme I am working on for the international exhibition," he said.

On account of the similarities between Mangalore, his hometown, and Kochi, Shetty has some kind of a special affinity for the city. "Both are coastal cities that have, through the ages, played host to many foreign cultures. I would like to explore more of Kerala and the city the next time I am around," he said.

He is popular for his works that usually celebrate the futility of engaging with this world, and he will be seen here more often now because he has to do more groundwork for his work.

[Malayaali]

[Malayaali]

Muziris Heritage project: New Art gallery and library at Paravur


cc: Manorama

[Malayaali]

Painting Exhibition at Nanappa Art Gallery

Kochiites, check out the paintings of Jeevan Lal at Nanappa Art Gallery this week. His unique paintings of Avatars from various religious texts are something you would love to check out. Blending modernity in those images, Jeevan Lal’s works are one-of-its-kind. The exhibition began on the 16th of June and will be on till July 2nd 2012.

Jeevan Lal, who passed out from the Cochin School of Art in the 70’s, has put up a great exhibition for Kochiites. His paintings have been acclaimed nationally, and he has participated in many exhibitions across the nation. From paintings of Krishna and Radha, images from Geetha, Christ on cross and much more, there is a visual treat for art-lovers in the city to indulge in.

You can drop in at Nanappa Art gallery any time between 11 a.m to 6 p.m. Do not miss this one, Kochi.

[Malayaali]

INCOGNITO and telling

The works at the ongoing show at David Hall art gallery, Kochi, allows the viewers the space to draw their own conclusions

An untitled art show, several untitled works, a few known and some not-so-known artists, the current show at David Hall is refreshingly anonymous. You enjoy complete freedom of interpretation.

The antiquated space of David Hall, without doubt, lends itself to art. Works gather energy in a strange way. Like Bahuleyan’s do. A well known name in art in these parts, C.B. Bahuleyan’s three related works, two titled ‘Time’ and one called ‘The Flower’ are absolute virtuosities in process, skill, detailing , colours and, of course, the thought. ‘The Flower’, because of its unambiguous positive message is cheery and brings joy, different from the two pieces that show deep desolation caused by the onslaught of time. And yet in ‘The Flower’, the tree blossoms in deep red, while the rest of the world folds in doomed.

[psanthosh]

Adoor Gopalakrishnan bemoans state of theatre in State



Theatre in the State is in a pathetic condition, renowned filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan has said.

In his address at the inauguration of ‘Odeum,’ an organisation that seeks to foster various forms of art such as painting, cinema, theatre, dance, music and folk arts here on Friday, Mr. Gopalakrishnan said even people who had come out of the School of Drama founded by the late G. Sankara Pillai were staying away from theatre and making ‘low quality films.’

Stating that the condition of theatre, cinema and, to some extent, poetry was not in a good condition, Mr. Gopalakrishnan said that several outstanding works had come out in the fields of novel, painting and short story in the State.

“Many exceptional artists have left the State to make a secure living. But there are also people like C.N. Karunakaran who have stayed here and contributed to the growth of painting,” he said.

Mr. Gopalakrishnan said reading and writing were also in a healthy condition in the State. He said the public had apprehensions about the state of cinema. But the State had not gone backwards in other areas, he said.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/...cle3591337.ece

[Malayaali]

Kicked about comedy

Aditi Mittal, one of the few women in the stand up comedy genre, will perform at JTPac this week



Aditi Mittal hardly pauses. You sense a distinct discomfort when she does so even over the telephone. Interrupting her or trying to fill in the chat often seemed a bother. Natural, for Aditi is a ‘professional chatterbox’, one whose career revolves around chirpy banter.

Rare breed

In the world of Indian stand up comedy Aditi is a rare breed. In fact, she is the only woman to make the grade. Quite a feat!

Stand up comedy is not really new to the country. But the English kind is relatively new and there are just a handful of experienced practitioners, though the tribe is certainly growing. Aditi can be counted among the top ten.

She, along with Kunal Rao, Praveen Kumar and Birj Bhakta, will present ‘Laff Lines’ at JTPac, Tripunithura, on July 7 at 7 p.m. This will be the first ever stand up comedy to be staged in the city.

Despite the crackling telephone, her hearty laughter spiced up her lively chat. Aditi spoke to The Hindu MetroPlus on her career and the excitement of meeting a new audience in Kochi.

Theatre experience

With a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from New York, Aditi dabbled for sometime in theatre. She acted in a “bunch of serious Broadway plays” before returning to India. Acting was her ‘labour of love,’ her priority. She played a significant role in the Eve Ensler play, ‘I am An Emotional Creature: The Secret Lives of Girls Around The World,’ directed by Mahabanoo Mody Kotwal. “I did a couple of commercials and a couple of television serials like ‘CID.’ I love television for all the crap. It is now part of my life. Hopefully, I’m not keen on films. I’m glued on to television, it is an inspiring idiot box after all,” says Aditi who also teaches Creative Writing at KC College, Mumbai.

“I teach for four hours, once a week. Moving ahead there are plans of writing a book. I have been working with a couple of other friends on a project for Random House. It’s about Bollywood.”

Live shows are what really gives Aditi a ‘kick.’ She has appeared on ‘Jay Hind,’ probably the country’s first online stand-up show and was also a regular on ‘Phenking News’ on CNN-IBN. But it is perhaps as a stand up comedian that Aditi is best known.

Stand up comedy is not easy art. Nor is it all about uttering four-letter words and cracking raunchy jokes. Aditi, who started off nearly three years ago, is a rare breed in this field. Her brand of humour is personal, observational and does around 120 shows yearly.

“Well, if some beginners in this genre believe that stand up comedy is all about four letter words and filthy jokes they are wrong. It can be irreverent and personal. The talk can be a mishmash of politics, societal issues, intimate relationships and more. And if a performer does four letter worlds it is only after he or she has earned the right to use them on stage.”

Many challenges

Being a woman has not really been very easy and there are very few women making it to this field. The challenges are many. Apart from the usual hecklers, women laughing out loud or cracking jokes was traditionally considered a sort of stigma. And stand up comedy itself is relatively new in the country.

“Over the years the demand has been growing. But apart from ‘The Comedy Store’, there are hardly any dedicated comedy clubs. Of late pubs, restaurants, clubs have started hosting ‘open mike’ events. They are casual shows where beginners can try out their act. There has been a steady growth in the number that appears for these shows. The stand up scene is growing.”

Kochi, hosting stand up comedy for the first time, will be another venue where this genre can possibly explode.And Aditi is excited about the prospect of meeting a new audience. “Stand up comedy comes with a lot of parameters. Laughter itself is an aggressive action.

People don’t want to be seen laughing. We try to build a camaraderie among this group. I’m just waiting to meet Kochi and walking around the place,” Aditi gushes.

[Malayaali]

M.I.A in Kochi











M.I.A and Steve Loveridge visiting Padma Shri Peruvanam Kuttan Mararat and family

cc: Kochi-Muziris Biennale

[Malayaali]

Cultural hub!

Changampuzha Park of Idappally is turning out to be the cultural hub on the map of a cosmopolitan Kochi, with a variety of artistic programmes conducted through the year.

Starting from Friday, art buffs in the city will get to witness a visual treat with the commencement of the Horizon Series Of Cultural Events.

The programme, which will be launched with a scintillating Bharathanatyam recital by Anjana Mohan from Aranmula at 6.30 pm on July 20, will be followed by events like Subhadraharanam Kathakali, Konniyoor Suresh’s musical concert, Ganamela, etc in the following days till July 23.

The events will be conducted by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Thiruvananthapuram (ICCR- a wing of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India along with the Changampuzha Samskarika Kendram.

[Malayaali]

Popular art gallery in Kochi re-opens!

The re-opening of a popular art gallery in Kochi was met with great enthusiasm by art lovers in the city. On display were works by artists like Rajan M Krishna, K Raghunathan, Riyaz Komu and Zakir Hussain.

Owner of the gallery, Dilip Narayanan, spoke on the occasion. Many of the artists in town were present; we spotted Bose Krishnamachari and Kaladharan at the do.

[psanthosh]

International artists arrive for biennale research



Mr. Hassan is one among many artists visiting the city to understand the region’s culture and history and give shape to the projects for the grand international festival of visual art

The run-up to the debut Kochi-Muziris Biennale beginning 12-12-12 has begun with artists of international repute descending on the city to conduct research for their works to be displayed at the event.

The latest to arrive in the city is Argentina-born visual artist Ariel Hassan, who lives and works between Germany and Australia. According to a Biennale Foundation communiqué, Mr. Hassan is slated to present a project titled Hypothetical Future Value (HFV), part of which recomposes photographic portraits of young people into abstract paintings. He will be in the city till the end of the month interacting with young residents of Fort Kochi and inviting them to take part in the project.

Mr. Hassan is one among many artists visiting the city to understand the region’s culture and history and give shape to the projects for the grand international festival of visual art.

Hossein Valamanesh, a leading Australian contemporary artist born in Iran, also visited the city to select space for displaying his project.

A visual artist who works in sculpture, painting, installation and collage, he draws inspiration from personal experiences and memories, and uses ordinary objects and natural materials to create visual poetry that reflects on his life in Australia and earlier experiences of his birthplace, Iran. Mr. Hossein has begun developing an installation for Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2012 and will soon return to begin his work at a space in Fort Kochi.

The city has already hosted noted artists Subodh Gupta, Sudarshan Shetty, Jyothi Basu, Shaina Anand, Reji KP, Sanchayan Ghosh and performing artist M.I.A.

Meanwhile, a number of city-based artists such as Upendranath T.R., Vivek Vilasini, Jalaja P.S., K. Reghunadhan, Zakir Hussain and Siji R. Krishnan are also working for the biennale.

Slated to arrive in the coming days are artists Vivan Sundaram, Atul Dodiya, Sheela Gowda, Kiran Subbaiah, T Venkanna, Srinivasa Prasad, Justin Ponmany, Anita Dube, Nalini Malani, L.N. Tallur, Alex Mathew, Amanulla Mohajadidi (Afghanistan), Joseph Semah (Amsterdam) and Rohini Devasher.

Project proposals submitted by these artists following their city visit will eventually result in site-specific artworks that respond to the locality’s cosmopolitan legacy and urbanised present.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/...cle3699479.ece

[psanthosh]

Koodiyattom festival begins at Moozhikulam



Held in collaboration with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the festival was inaugurated by noted Indologist and Koodiyattom aficionado David Shulman.

The fifth Koodiyattom festival of Nepathya Koodiyattom Centre here had an auspicious beginning on Sunday with Nangiyarkoothu exponent G. Indu presenting ‘Govardhanodharanam’.

Held in collaboration with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the festival was inaugurated by noted Indologist and Koodiyattom aficionado David Shulman. He said it was a rare privilege and a moving moment for the university and its crop of Sanskrit students to be associated with the festival.

Recalling his experience of watching the full-length performance of ‘Ashokavanikangam’ a few years ago, the professor said it “was a transformative experience” which inspired him and his students to come back to Nepathya every year for complete performances.

‘Anguliyankam’ Koodiyattom, which would be performed over the next 29 days, he said, encapsulated the entire ‘Ramayana’ and the ‘Ascharyachoodamani’.

“It is one of the masterpieces of Koodiyattom repertoire.” Koodiyattom exponent Margi Madhu, the force behind Nepathya, said that the performance marked a watershed in history as ‘Anguliyankam’ had so far been performed only in temples in a ritualistic fashion.

“Anguliyankam is traditionally performed over 12 days as pure ritual. Way back in 1993, Margi brought it outside temple premises and presented the entire text over two-and-a-half years by way of weekly performances. Perhaps this [Nepathya’s] is going to be the first full-length continuous performance of Anguliyankam outside temple precincts” he said.

Since it is meant for a ritualistic performance, Anguliyankam is without frills and glitter, but it is in-depth. The all-encompassing narrative structure offers the performer an opportunity for a quick revision of all that is there in Koodiyattom.

Nepathya trustee M. P. Sreekrishnan presided over the inaugural function. ‘Govardhanodharanam’ Nangiyarkoothu by G. Indu showcased the tale of a conceited Indra being humbled by Krishna. Similar in its performance grammar to Kailasodharanam in Koodiyattom, Govardhanodharanam shows Krishna lifting the mount Govardhana to protect his folks when an enraged Indra attempts to send down thunder, lightning and fiery showers on them. Through exemplary experiential acting, Indu conjured up the height, girth and enormity of the mountain and the trees, valleys, streams and caverns dotting it. Effortlessly switching roles, she was at once the peacocks dancing in the sky, the fiery Indra bent on teaching Krishna’s folks a lesson and Krishna himself lifting off the mountain overhead to protect all and sundry.

The month-long performance of ‘Anguliyankam’ will begin on Monday at 6.30 p.m.

[psanthosh]

Kochi-Muziris Biennale offers multi-dimensional prospects


KOCHI: The Kochi-Muziris Biennale which is expected to draw at least five lakh visitors and 80 artists from across the world will not only have socio-cultural benefits but huge economic yields as well, according to its organizers and leading artists.

Speaking at a seminar on "Kochi-Muziris Biennale -socio-cultural benefits" here on Monday, they said the event can be a major initiative in cultural diplomacy to raise the international profile of city and the state, and enhance the image of the city in the eyes of its own citizens.

This will in turn boost tourism both from within the country and outside, and generate employment and promote trade and other allied activities, they said.

Kochi-Muziris Biennale will be an occasion for showcasing the rich and long-standing cultural lineage of the state, as well as an opportunity to critically reflect on our own past. The artists from within the state will get an unprecedented opportunity to get exposed to the works of the leading artists from across the world as well as to engage with the artists themselves. It will also up the level of public awareness among the various trends prevailing in different parts of the globe.

Renowned artist Vivan Sundaram appealed to the government to support the project and should not discard it just because the previous government had piloted it. Mayor Tony Chammani said corporation would support the project, provided it was made transparent and accountable in all stages of decision-making and execution. "It's important to remove all mysteries surrounding the event," he said. Artist Balan Nambiar said over 120 biennales and triennials were being held by different countries and many of them were a big draw both in terms of cultural and economic developments.

Muhammed Afzal Edappakath of the political affairs and public diplomacy department at the Embassy of The Netherlands said cultural diplomacy which relies on soft power was now increasingly being recognized as the effective means to manage relations between countries. He emphasised that culture and creative industries were powerful drivers that would create jobs, enhance quality of life and bring lots of goodwill.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/c...w/15286825.cms

[mohammedirshad06]

The Hindu Metroplus Theatre Fest is back

The Hindu MetroPlus Theatre Fest is back again. Three days of laughter, tears, history, drama and farce. Some of the best productions and best drama groups in the country will come together to give audiences three days of absolute entertainment.

The festival that was launched in Chennai in 2005 has turned into a major calendar event in five cities with shows in Kochi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Coimbatore and Chennai. Kochi, this year, will see two acclaimed plays from Mumbai and a very ambitious production from Bangalore that is based on a script written by the inimitable Girish Karnad. The Kochi edition of the fest will kick-start on August 3 with Bombay Talkies, a play directed and scripted by Vikram Kapadia. The play is about life in Mumbai. Through monologues, eight citizens of the city talk about love, pain and joy, memories and fear, hopes and desires. These monologues help the audience experience life in Mumbai; the city where nearly 20 million people fight through struggle and survival, disillusionment and distress, corruption and chaos.

The Dreams Of Tipu Sultan by Jagriti, Bangalore, will be staged on the second day, August 4. The play attempts to go beyond the popular image of Tipu as a warrior and rebel and brings out Tipu the man, the visionary, the scientist and the dreamer.

The curtains will come down on the festival on August 5 with The Interview, a winner of four Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards including Best Actor and Best Play. The play is directed by Akarsh Khurana and produced by Akvarious Productions. From a normal setting the play transforms into a darkly comic exploration of the bizarre and the uncomfortable hurtling to an unexpected ending. All the plays will be held at Kerala Fine Arts Auditorium. All shows start at 7.30 p.m.

Sponsors — Title sponsor: BOSE, Hospitality sponsor: Dream Hotel, Associate sponsor: SFS Homes, Cultural Partner: Indian Council For Cultural Relations (ICCR), Mall sponsor: Oberon Mall, Event Manager: evam.

Tickets are priced at Rs. 300, Rs. 200 and Rs. 100. Student passes are available for Rs. 50. Season passes are available for Rs. 750 and Rs. 450. Tickets for all shows can be purchased online at www.thehindu.com/theatrefest, www.indianstage.in and www.bookmyshow.com. Tickets are available at DC Books, Nucleus Mall & Kurian Towers, DC Penguin, Bay Pride Mall and The Hindu Office, NH Bypass Road, Vyttila Junction, Kochi 19. Helpline numbers: 9496824175, (0) 98406 12333.

[mohammedirshad06]

Kashi's Art Dreams soar higher with new owners

Edgar Pinto, the new owner of Kashi Art Café.

Even as leading artists from far and wide are visiting Kochi during the run-up to the Kochi-Muziris Biennale to be held in December, there has been another equally significant event in Kochi’s art world.

Kashi Art Café, the city’s answer to Mumbai’s Leopold Café, and the tiny art gallery attached to it, has changed hands.

Though tucked away in a narrow street of Fort Kochi, it has been ushering in a silent art revolution over the last decade.

Anup and Dorrie, the visionary couple, who used to own the gallery, which served as a cultural window to the outside world, have moved on to Munnar, with the satisfaction that they have achieved what they set out to do in the dozen years that they ran the café and gallery.

Taking over the reins is Edgar Pinto, an art collector and owner of Old Harbour Hotel which is a stone’s throw away from Kashi.

Edgar, who has been collecting paintings by leading artists, is proud about his new acquisition. “Kashi has been the haunt of not only tourists but also art and music lovers, actors and filmmakers.

Several artists who exhibited here for the first time have gone on to make a name for themselves. The previous owners promoted art in a big and different way with unique shows and residency programmes.

I am pleased but I know it is a big challenge to continue the legacy that I have inherited.” The refurbished café is already open while the gallery will begin its second innings with a solo show by Mumbai-based Malayali artist Riyas Komu, who happens to be Edgar’s favourite artist.

For Riyas, who is the biennale’s director of programmes, it has been a tough task to create new works for the show called Condition that will be on from August 4 to October 30, even as he is in the thick of organising India’s first biennale.

Riyas has come up with seven new works — photographs, sculptures and paintings -- that are his comment on various aspects of contemporary Kerala society.

There is a self portrait that shows him cowering under some kind of threat and the artist admits that, at one level, it has to do with the challenges and complexities that he has been facing in his new role as an administrator.

The reference clearly is to the allegations that have been hurled against the team behind the biennale by a section of local artists.

There is an image of an easy chair, the typical one that every Malayali house had in the courtyard once, with a hammer and sickle symbol engraved on top.

The charukasera has become a symbol of what is unattainable for the average, ambitious Malayali of today.

There is another one called Puthiya Yakshi about greed symbolised by a male dog at the centre of a vaginal shaped golden plate with the image of a skull.

Riyas wants to drive home the point that while it may be women who wear gold, it is the male dominated society that drives the craze and also uses it as an exchange commodity in the marriage market. There are also a couple of complimentary pieces for literary works.

Edgar believes that Kochi and Kerala are poised for an exciting phase. Once, he points out, artists like Riyas had to go to Mumbai or other cities to work and make a living.

“Now, communication facilities like email have narrowed the boundaries and there are artists who even webcast their work. Instead of our artists going out, the world may come here,” he says.

[mohammedirshad06]

celebrate Keralam makes a visual treat for Kochinites

An array of more than 50 photographs greets you at the MNF Art and Kerala History Museum, Edappally. The art and photography exhibition, held as part of the week-long Onam celebrations, Lavanyam 2012, organized by the district administration and tourism department, is a visual treat for the art-savvy.

The exhibition showcases works by eight photographers and portrays different cultures and traditions of the country. Talking to TOI at the venue, Imthias Kadeer, a businessman-turned photographer, said he travelled extensively across India to come out with the photos suitable for the exhibition.

Kadeer, who spends more than eight months a year travelling and clicking photographs, said his aim was to give a message to the public through each of his work.

Pointing to a photograph of a group of villagers cleaning a lake and its premises at Nubra Valley near Leh, Kadeer said it would make viewers guilty about their garbage dumping practices. "They might not change by just viewing this frame. But the message might leave an impact on their minds," he said.

Other frames are shot by K R Sunil, Ajay Mohan, N A Nazeer, Mirash K T, Saju Sreedharan, Madhu C Narayanan and Jayesh Mohan. The exhibition will conclude on September 5.