Biennale an extraordinary celebration of world art happening in Kochi, says former diplomat Venu Rajamony

Kochi / February 11, 2026

Kochi, Feb 11: Mr Venu Rajamony, former Ambassador of India to the Netherlands and former Press Secretary to President Pranab Mukherjee, visited the sixth edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB), describing the art exhibition as ‘an extraordinary celebration of world art unfolding in Kochi’.

Highlighting the Biennale’s inclusive character, Mr Rajamony, who was also former Consul General of India in Dubai, said the event is a “spectacular success.”

He noted the participation of artists across genders, religions, and nationalities, including artists from Pakistan, and encouraged the public to visit the Biennale, adding that even those who have already attended should return for multiple visits.

“One day is not enough to see this Biennale and several visits are required to fully experience its scale and depth,” he said.

Pointing to the diversity of artistic voices on display, Mr Rajamony said, “There are men artists, there are women artists, there are Hindus, Christians, Muslims; even people from Pakistan, their exhibits are also here. So truly an extraordinary celebration of world art which is happening in Kochi.”

He also highlighted the Biennale’s role. “What impressed and amazed me the most was how much of a platform this is for voices of protest and dissent, and for expressions of concern for the poor, the exploited, the underprivileged, and the marginalised,” he said.

“The artists were doing what often does not happen adequately in society — speaking truth, speaking out, and challenging the established order,” he added.

Referring to specific themes explored at the Biennale, the former career diplomat noted that several exhibits addressed man-animal conflict, creating a sense of urgency and empathy, while others focused on man-woman relationships where women appear crushed and oppressed.

He described the artworks on display as deeply compelling and said that performing artists, through their performances, effectively conveyed strong messages and narratives.

Mr Rajamony said that as a ‘Kochite’ (a native of Kochi), he feels proud of the exhibition. He congratulated the organisers on their efforts and expressed confidence that future editions would be even stronger.

Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar, former Vice Chief of the Indian Navy, also visited the Biennale, noting that the presentation of post-colonial narratives within colonial-era buildings offered a powerful reflection on social change.

Calling it a lesson on shifting global realities, he said the exhibition highlighted how the underprivileged are no longer marginalised and how gender equality has become a norm.

 

ENDS