Kochi Students' Biennale Illuminates Social Narratives Through Art
At the historic BMS Warehouse in Mattancherry, Kochi, an installation by Honey Thomas, a postgraduate student at RLV College of Music and Fine Arts, Tripunithura, captivates viewers with its subtle yet powerful storytelling. Initially appearing as ordinary silhouettes on translucent sheets, the figures come to life when illuminated by torches, revealing life-sized shadow depictions of domestic chores such as cooking, cleaning, and waiting.
Focus on Unseen Domestic Labor
Thomas's work draws from the repetitive rhythms of everyday life, centering on the often-unseen labor of mothers. "My work draws from the repetitive cadence of domestic life, focusing on my mother whose presence dissolves into the background of daily chores," she explains. The installation uses layered transparent sheets to create overlapping and repeating gestures, highlighting themes of routine, resilience, and quiet endurance.
Students' Biennale: A Platform for Diverse Voices
The Students' Biennale, a key educational initiative of the Kochi Biennale Foundation, runs alongside the sixth edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB). Spread across five venues—VKL Warehouse, Arthshila Kochi, BMS Warehouse, St Andrew's Parish Hall, and Space Gallery—it features works by student artists from institutions across India. This edition brings together participants from 150 state-funded art institutions, emphasizing experimentation, interdisciplinary practices, and socially engaged art.
Explorations of Queer Identity and Marginalized Communities
West Bengal-based artist Shakibul Islam presents Seeking Intimacies, a deeply personal reflection on queer life. A master's student at Mumbai's Sir JJ School of Art, Architecture and Design, Islam references the Indian Constitution and the 2018 Supreme Court verdict that decriminalized homosexuality, while pointing to the continued absence of marriage and adoption rights. Through images of alternative families, waiting grooms, and digital encounters, he depicts intimacy shaped by hope and uncertainty.
Regional Resilience in Art
Salman Khursheed Lone, from the Institute of Music & Fine Arts, University of Kashmir, draws inspiration from everyday life in Kashmir. His work features a Kashmiri fish rooted in the local myth of Naag Gaade, believed to protect sacred waterbodies. The fish serves as a metaphor for harmony, resilience, and survival amid changing socio-political realities.
Visitor Enthusiasm and Curatorial Insights
Visitors have responded enthusiastically to the students' works. Abhinand K, a research scholar from Kannur, noted that the art brings "the raw world into contemporary art," resonating strongly with audiences. KMB co-founder Bose Krishnamachari highlighted the initiative's growth, stating, "When I was a student, I never had the opportunity to witness international art practice. We initiated Students' Biennale in 2014, and now we are at our sixth edition."
Director of programmes at the biennale, Mario D'Souza, added that the platform enables several participants to progress to the main biennale and gain international exposure. "Biennale encourages students to think beyond conventional gallery system and form alternative artistic collectives," he said.
From intimate portrayals of domestic life to explorations of queer identity and marginalized communities, the Students' Biennale has carved a distinct space within the larger art festival, showcasing the diverse perspectives and innovative approaches of India's emerging artists.
