State should preserve KMB art works: Guv

Kochi: “It’s marvellous to have a glimpse of the art works that speak volumes about the wealth of knowledge and artistic talent that we have,” said Governor P Sadashivam after his visit to Aspinwall House, the main venue of the fourth edition of Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB) at Fort Kochi here on Monday.
Saying that the state has to preserve the works along with the Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF), Sathasivam called for funds for proper upkeep of the works as they are an asset to the state. “Young artists and students have presented their art forms and it also offers a tribute to our forefathers. All, students of history and arts in particular, from across Kerala should come, see and visualise the depth and perspective of the event,” he said. Taking a close look at some of the paintings, the governor was seen asking for the details of the artists.

“This is the fourth edition of the biennale. Around 50% artists are women, led by curator Anita Dube,” Bose Krishnamachari, president of Biennale Foundation, said.

This year, so far, 4.5 lakh people have visited. During the last edition, the event was for 90 days and due to demand from visitors it was extended for four more days, he recalled.

The event is happening across 18 venues. KBF has also provided production support for selected projects and art works by Indian students, and expanded its scope to include the participation of students from other Saarc countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar). The exhibition includes some 109 projects by 200 student-artists, Krishnamachari said.