‘Biennale will be Taken Forward from Generation to Generation’: Prof K.V. Thomas

KOCHI:
The Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB) has become so deep-rooted in the cultural landscape of the city that the next generation of artists and art enthusiasts will naturally take this initiative forward in the future, Prof K.V. Thomas said here today.
The senior Member of Parliament, who has been one of the Biennale’s staunchest supporters since its inception, was interacting with the media on Sunday following a visit to Aspinwaill House in Fort Kochi, the primary venue of the ongoing third edition of India’s only Biennale.
“As someone who has been associated with the Biennale from its very origin as an idea in 2010-11, I have seen the agony and suffering of its founders Bose Krishnamachari and Riyas Komu in bringing it to life. Now that it has become a successful entity, it is a matter of pride and joy to everyone,” said Prof Thomas, who was given a guided tour of Aspinwall House by Krishnamachari and Komu.
“The KMB initiated a unique movement in art, culture and heritage conservation at a time when the whole state was concerned about it. So it has become deep-rooted in society. The Biennale will be continued from generation to generation, which will each remember the great stories and traditions of South Asia’s biggest biennale,” he added.
Noting the efforts of the then Minister for Culture M.A. Baby
and other influential patrons like former Kerala police chief P.K. Hormis Tharakan, he said, “They stood as pillars of support for the Biennale and fuelled its success.”
“Both the state government and private parties should equally support this bold and novel art initiative, which has already contributed so much to shaping mindsets and sensibilities Kochi, Kerala and India and has the potential of doing even more,” Prof Thomas said.