The Kochi Muziris Biennale, which was supposed to open on December 12, will now be open on December 23. The landmark event, which was postponed for over a year due to the pandemic, will officially be inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Student's Biennale will open as scheduled on December 13. Exhibits at Aspinwall House, Anand Warehouse and Pepper House will open on the said date.
“Due to organizational and structural delays along with the onset of heavy rains with cyclone Mandous, we have had to take the heartbreaking decision to postpone the biennale. The site will be under repair and we appreciate your patience,” the announcement read.
In an Instagram post the foundation wrote, “With regret, we inform that the venues showcasing Kochi-Muziris Biennale artists' works will open for public view on 23rd December 2022. These include - Aspinwall House, Anand Warehouse, and Pepper House.”
The Biennale themed 'In our veins flow ink and fire', has been curated by Singapore-born Indian artist Shubigi Rao. This is the fifth edition of the Biennale, which was first inaugurated in 2012. The event this year will feature about 90 artists from around the world. The youngest artist this year is 24-year-old Pranay Dutta who uses a video game landscape to depict how water will be used as currency in the future.
Among the several reasons being cited for the delay, one of the main reasons is the late possession of the main venue, Aspinwall House. The Kerala government has been negotiating to acquire the space from the current private owner DLF Group.
