Kochi-Muziris Biennale Returns After Delays with Contingent Theme and Controversial Works
The sixth edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale commenced in Kochi, India, and will continue until 31 March, following a three-year hiatus caused by funding issues and venue challenges. Curated by Nikhil Chopra in collaboration with HH Art Spaces, the exhibition is titled 'For the Time Being' and focuses on a vibrant ecosystem of art and interactive experiences. Notable installations include Nikhil Chopra's For the Time Being, Barakah (2025) by Bani Abidi and Anupama Kundoo, Utsa Hazarika's Yantra (32° N/Horizon) (2025), and Marina Abramović's Waterfall (2000–03). Additional works include Ibrahim Mahama's Parliament of Ghosts (2017–) and Kulpreet Singh's Indelible Black Marks (2022–24). A controversy emerged when Tom Vattakuzhy's Supper at a Nunnery (2016) was removed for being offensive.
Key facts
- The Kochi-Muziris Biennale runs through 31 March in Kochi, India.
- This sixth edition opened after a three-year delay due to financial constraints and venue issues.
- Curator Nikhil Chopra, with HH Art Spaces, titled it 'For the Time Being', focusing on live art and the body.
- Marina Abramović's Waterfall (2000–03) opened two days after the inauguration.
- Tom Vattakuzhy's painting Supper at a Nunnery (2016) was withdrawn following protests from Christian groups.
- Key venues include Aspinwall House and Island Warehouse, with colonial and modern architectures.
- Notable works include Ibrahim Mahama's Parliament of Ghosts and Kulpreet Singh's Indelible Black Marks.
- A parallel show, Edam, features artists with roots in Kerala, including Keerthana Kunnath.
Entities
Artists
- Nikhil Chopra
- Yuko Kaseki
- Sheba Chhachhi
- Janet Price
- Bhasha Chakrabarti
- Bani Abidi
- Anupama Kundoo
- Utsa Hazarika
- Marina Abramović
- Ibrahim Mahama
- Kulpreet Singh
- Tino Sehgal
- Lionel Wendt
- Keerthana Kunnath
- Tom Vattakuzhy
- Otobong Nkanga
- Yasmin Jahan Nupur
- Sandra Mujinga
- Prabhakar Kamble
- Jayashree Chakravarty
- Birender Yadav
- Kirtika Kain
- Biraaj Dodiya
- Margi Rahitha Krishnadas
- Monica de Miranda
- Zarina Muhammad
- Abul Hisham
- Aditya Puthur
- Adrian Villar Rojas
- Ali Akbar PN
- Anja Ibsch
- Arti Kadam
- Athina Koumparouli
- Cinthia Marcelle
- Dhiraj Rabha
- Dima Srouji
- Piero Tomassoni
- Dineo Seshee Bopape
- Faiza Hasan
- Gieve Patel
- Gulammohammed Sheikh
- Hicham Berrada
- Himanshu Jamod
- Hiwa K
- Huma Mulji
- Jompet Kuswidananto
- Jyoti Bhatt
- Khageswar Rout
- Lakshmi Nivas Collective
- LaToya Ruby Frazier
- Malu Joy
- Sister Roswin CMC
- Mandeep Raikhy
- Maria Hassabi
- Mark Prime
- Mathew Krishanu
- Meenu James
- Minam Apang
- Mónica de Miranda
- Monika Correa
- Moonis Ahmad Shah
- Naeem Mohaiemen
- Nari Ward
- Niroj Satpathy
- Nityan Unnikrishnan
- Pallavi Paul
- Panjeri Artists' Union
- Raja Boro
- Ratna Gupta
- Sabitha Kadannappally
- Sayan Chanda
- RB Shajith
- Shiraz Bayjoo
- Smitha Babu
- Sujith S.N
- Vinoja Tharmalingam
- Zarina Muhammed
- Malu Joy (Sister Roswin CMC)
Institutions
- Kochi-Muziris Biennale
- HH Art Spaces
- Edam
- Canvas
- Kochi Biennale Foundation
- Aspinwall & Company Ltd
- Grüntaler9
Locations
- Kochi
- India
- Cochin
- Kerala
- Delhi
- Sri Lanka
- Ghana
- Mattancherry
- Belgium
- Dhaka
- Berlin
- Oslo
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Goa
- Singapore
- Kolkata
- Aspinwall House
- Pepper House
- Durbar Hall