Andhra Tourism Officer Padma Rani Seela finds Biennale a seamless combination of curatorial depth and public engagement
Kochi / March 23, 2026
Kochi, Mar 23: Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority (APTA) Chief Marketing Officer Padma Rani Seela, who visited the Kochi-Muziris Biennale to gain insights into its curation and overall structure, said the contemporary art event presents a seamless combination of curatorial depth and public engagement.
Reflecting her views on the visit, Ms Seela, who was accompanied by representatives of APTA, said they came to understand how the Biennale is organised and also got a deeper perspective on its curatorial approach. She noted that even after visiting just one venue, the experience was deeply engaging and revealing.
The artworks were intense and thought-provoking, making it difficult to move away from the space, she added.
She noted that the guided explanations further enhanced their understanding, making the experience more interesting. She appreciated the works of artists Birender Yadav's Only the Earth Knows Their Labour (2025) and Ratna Gupta’s Embroided drawing, noting that each artwork at the venue felt unique.
Writer and visual artist Sanjeev Khandekar, who was art of the delegation, described his experience as “fantastic.” He observed that the Kochi-Muziris Biennale has, over the years, evolved into a platform that connects with a wide audience.
Reflecting on his visits over the past 12 years, he highlighted the consistent involvement of the general public as one of its most significant achievements.
He noted that unlike many art events where art remains distant from the masses, the Biennale brings together people from all walks of life, including children, elderly visitors, and government officials, making it widely accessible.
The delegation acknowledged the Biennale’s success in a seamless combination of curatorial depth with meaningful public engagement, reinforcing its stature as a leading platform for contemporary art.
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