THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Imagine trying to hold water in a closed fist. That’s how difficult it is to explain contemporary art. Yet there are gallerists and art curators who excel at decoding an artist’s complex oeuvre in a way that is appreciated by both intellectuals of the art world and the general public. While it is undeniable that the Kochi Biennale jump-started the city’s art scene, we speak to a few who have been striving for decades to keep its heart beating.
Kashi Art Gallery Fort Kochi
For the past 18 years, Kashi Art Gallery has been striving to create the perfect space for local and international artists to express themselves. This casual-but-Zen gallery-cafe located on Burgher Street also aims to facilitate dialogues between artists and the public via its showcases (including exhibits by Riyas Komu and Shubha Taparia). “We see how art, irrespective of the medium, genre or language, creates an inextricable link to the viewer and becomes a source of examination (with regards to social issues) and understanding of life as a whole,” explains art writer and gallerist Tanya Abraham, who’s currently hosting Canadian photography-based artist Gabriela Garcia Luna, as part of Kashi’s residency programme.
Social and community initiatives are also at the forefront at Kashi. “I believe art should not limit itself within a gallery alone. It should become a platform of expression, create curiosity and facilitate innovation. We have a great project for women (planned in December), a platform to help them express themselves through three art forms—visual art, writing and theatre,” says Abraham, who loves the work of internationally renowned artist FN Souza and believes that the Biennale has paved the way for newer galleries, more residencies, and is certain that city will soon witness more art-education centers opening. Details: 2215769
Gallery OED Mattanchery
Dilip Narayan, a science graduate who worked in the IT and banking sector, is not someone you’d expect to find at the helm of a contemporary art gallery nestled in the historic Old Bazaar area of Mattanchery. “I travel to exhibits and galleries across India to keep abreast of practices and hunt for talented youngsters. We’ve already sponsored MFA students from MSU Baroda and Santi Niketan,” states the 45-year-old who keenly follows the work of Australian artist Fiona Hall.
Having represented Kerala thrice at New Delhi’s India Art Fair, the future is bright for OED. Narayan is working on expanding the gallery space to 1,500 sq ft—including an Art Cafe and a store that will provide artists’ edition artifacts. “The Biennale’s contribution is insurmountable. It has created an entire symbiotic ecosystem in the city that has proved beneficial to everyone,” explains the gallerist, with over 10 years of experience in Indian contemporary art, adding, “It has also increased the exposure that my gallery has among national and international art collectors and investors. Sujith SN, a painter who first showcased at OED, has since become popular nationwide.”
Famous for its zealous support of Indian contemporary art and artists, the gallery is working on multiple shows for 2016, like Land of Absence—a show on surreal landscapes, curated by Holland-based artist Arne Hendricks—which aims to be a dialogue between Indian and Dutch artists.“Foreign embassies are also taking note of our burgeoning art scene. A few have agreed to work with us on the upcoming OED International Artists Residency Programme, too. These are signs that tell me Kochi is the next art destination,” he concludes. Details: 9447108011
Durbar Hall Art Gallery Ernakulam
Widely considered one of the most historically significant art galleries in the country, Durbar Hall Art Gallery (originally built by the Maharaja of Cochin in the early 19th century) has changed many hands during its 160-year history. Ever since the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi took over the 10,000 sq ft gallery from the Archaeology Department in 2000, they’ve hosted art exhibitions almost every day. It has also helped craft the future of art in Kochi by opening its space to the public, enabling hundreds of aspiring local artists to launch their careers, including Baroda-based painter Surendran Nair who debuted his work here. Now all his work is showcased/sold from India’s premier contemporary art space, Sakshi gallery (Mumbai).
“From legendary painter M F Hussain to students of art from RLV College, our Erco LED-lit, climate-controlled, multi-floor gallery space (created by award-winning conservation architect Vikas Dilawari) has seen thousands of artists,” shares official-in-charge Rajan Samuel, adding, “Besides the Biennale, the local scene would do a lot better with more government funding. Although works of internationally-renowned artists like A Ramachandran have already taken Kerala to the forefront of the art scene decades ago, our city’s numerous young artists including painter Sunil Vallarpam and sculptor P K Surendran currently spearhead the art scene,” he signs off. Details: 3456986
Nanappa Art Gallery Karikkamuri
If money talks, T Kaladharan isn’t listening. In fact, this veteran artist has never sacrificed his medium of creative expression to suit the market’s urges. “I dislike terms like curation. My need to understand (art,drama,music, and movies) and the urge to learn and educate is what drives me to pick and choose exhibits, host film screenings and set up interactive talks at my gallery,” explains the 58-year-old award-winning painter, who loves the works of MV Devan and is working with a physically challenged artist for an upcoming exhibition.
He’s part of the Kochi art scene’s original vanguard—which includes CN Karunakaran, who started Kalapeedam in 1978 which morphed into the Orthic Creative Centre and eventually emerged as Nanappa Art Gallery in 2008—and is still proudly carrying the sigil of independent art. “The Biennale could’ve gone to any city in Kerala. There’s a reason why hugely popular events like this are based here. We’ve had a rich and vibrant contemporary art scene for many decades now. Just like the past and present, the future is also bright for Kochi’s art world,” he concludes. Details: 2376489