KMB 2016 Welcomes Host of High-Profile Visitors

KOCHI:
The Kochi Muziris Biennale (KMB) 2016 today welcomed a string of high-profile visitors, who spoke about the influence that the international art exhibition has had on people’s outlook and on society.
Visiting with friends, family and colleagues were award-winning filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan, former Indian ambassador to the US T P Sreenivasan, Excise Commissioner Rishi Raj Singh, singer-actress Monica Dogra, singer Shakthisree Gopalan and director Ganesh Raj.
“The large crowds show that Kerala has a great leaning towards art, whether contemporary or traditional. This Biennale has already gained a prominent place in world art shows,” said Adoor.
He also added that Kerala is now on the global cultural radar thanks to two international events: the KMB and the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK).
“We have been hosting the IFFK for the past two decades, and though the KMB is only in its third edition, it has become a mirror to the cultural ethos of the state and has earned for the state and the country, a global standing,” added Adoor, who has visited every edition of the KMB, since its debut in 2012.
He said that each edition is unique as the show reflects the ideas and imagery devised by the curator. “There are many exhibits which fr
ee our mind from inhibitions and a narrow mindset. Every visitor should have an idea of the curator’s vision before seeing the exhibits,” he pointed out.
The award-winning filmmaker lauded the Biennale’s role in encouraging art in the education system of the state.
T P Sreenivasan shared his experience on the boundless human imaginations exhibited as part of KMB 2016.
“You have to expect the unexpected everywhere. People do not see things in the same way; each person sees things differently. The overwhelming feeling one gets is that imagination is boundless… and the artist’s skill is transferred to you; that feeling is amazing,” he noted.
“It is good that Kochi is developing into an international centre for art and that is something that Kerala should be proud of,” added Sreenivasan.