‘Even Biennale’s Strongest Critics have Accepted it’: Kodiyeri Balakrishnan

KOCHI:
Despite strident opposition in the run-up to the first edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB) in 2012, the popularity of the event and the efforts of its organisers silenced naysayers, CPM Kerala State Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said here today.
The senior leader, who was the Tourism Minister in the previous LDF government, was speaking at a media interaction following a visit to Aspinwall House in Fort Kochi, the primary venue of the ongoing third edition of India’s only Biennale.
“At the time of Biennale’s inception, there were a number of objections and criticisms against the step. However, the state government decided to ignore the negativity and go ahead with the initiative. Today, even its strongest critics have come to accept the Biennale,” said Kodiyeri Balakrishnan. “The commitment of the organisers to art is mirrored in their commitment towards the society. That is the reason why it has become the ‘people’s Biennale’,” he added.
“The KMB has become a democratic platform. The organisers have proved the vitality of such an event in Kerala. As the Biennale has started attracting ever larger crowds, the state should focus on marketing this mega art event at foreign tourism marts, including the World Tourism Mart. This will help to attract more foreign tourists to this event and help to boost the tourism sector,” Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said.
Noting that the state government had commendably resolved the issue regarding a permanent venue for the Biennale, he said, “Venues for future KMBs should retain the same peculiarities and amenities that the event enjoys today.”
The former minister was given a guided tour of Aspinwall House by KMB co-founder Bose Krishnamachari. He was accompanied by former Rajya Sabha MP and CPI(M) Ernakulam district secretary
P. Rajeev during the visit.
Earlier on Thursday, Communist Marxist Party leader and former state planning board member Shri C.P. John had observed that the KMB was filled with philosophical thought.
“The Biennale is not just an art exhibition, but an avenue to ignite philosophical thoughts. Every artwork displayed here has an important message to convey. The Biennale has become a platform of creativity and possibilities,” John said.