‘Petrichor’, a 36-minute loop video that explores deteriorating waterbodies in and around Fort Kochi and Mattancherry will be on at Lulu Mall. The aim is to create awareness on water conservation.
The initiative, taken up jointly by Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF) and the mall, is part of the World Water Day observance. Petrichor is a pop-up gallery (an art gallery organised for a short period of time) at the mall by artist Vipin Dhanurdharan. It brings into sharp focus the significance of conservation of water resources and the deteriorating state of canals and waterbodies that sustained the city’s thriving trade and commerce not long ago.
Petrichor (a pleasant smell that accompanies the first drops of rain) encapsulates the experiences of the inhabitants of the areas as they recall how clean and pure canal waters once used to be. Dhanurdharan made the video as a part of his art project. He collected water samples from various waterbodies in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry to create awareness on how contaminated and polluted the water sources have now become.
“Not everything can be changed in a day. I am trying to use my art to bring public attention towards environmental issues and also suggest solutions,” said the self-taught artist who associates himself with drawing, video, installation, and performance.
Manju Sarah Rajan, CEO of Kochi Biennale Foundation, inaugurated the event.
