In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, 20 architects are putting their weight behind Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB) by providing technical expertise and support on various aspects of the mega art event that begins on Dec 12.
For a start, the artist-architect tie-up is expected to help with the logistics and technicalities of the upcoming show. In the long run, they hope the collaboration will lead to something interesting for the local landscape, a press release said.
This support comes at a critical juncture. With little over a month to go before the KMB starts, Kochi Biennale Foundation is banking on the timely backing of generous organisations, who understand the logistics involved and believe in the value that an international art event brings to the region.
The architects are volunteering assistance on different levels from exhibition planning to being mediators between artists and contractors, and instructing the latter on how to build to the artists' requirements, installing signage, acting as an advisory on the pavilion, providing speakers for the Let's Talk series and helping with the Student's Biennale.
KMB Director Bose Krishnamachari and curator Jitish Kallat felt that this association between artists and architects would be "very interesting", said Pratheek Sudhakaran, who is heading the architects in this collaboration.
"For our part, it is very exciting to fulfil the artists' vision. The artist has already envisioned his work and our challenge is to adjust it to the venue. Something new unfolds every day," he said.
