Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2025: 'For the Time Being' Explores Art, Memory, and Identity
The sixth edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB), titled "For the Time Being," commenced on December 12, 2025, in Kochi, Kerala, marking a significant evolution in contemporary art exhibitions by emphasizing process, collaboration, and the dynamic interplay between art and its environment.
Curated by artist Nikhil Chopra in collaboration with HH Art Spaces, this edition features 66 artists and collectives from 25 countries, showcasing their works across 22 venues throughout Kochi. The Biennale's thematic focus on the body as a bearer of memory and materiality invites visitors to engage with art as an evolving and participatory experience, reflecting the city's rich history shaped by migrations, trade, and colonial influences.
The inauguration ceremony took place at Parade Ground in Fort Kochi, officiated by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. In his address, Vijayan emphasized the crucial role of art in resisting attempts to suppress diversity. He stated, "When various forces try to enforce regressive ideas by stifling diversity and imposing a homogenous culture, resistance through cultural means becomes essential. The Biennale must lead these effortsāthis is its political stance." source
The event featured performances such as a Thayambaka recital by percussionist Margi Rahitha Krishnadas and her team, and a concert by Shanka Tribe featuring artists Neha Nair, Resmi Satheesh, and Shahabaz Aman. source
This edition introduces a thematic focus on the body as a bearer of memory and materiality, extending metaphorically into the landscape of Kochiāa city shaped by migrations, trade, and colonial histories. The curatorial team notes, "Our invitation to companions was to work with Kochiās climates, conditions, and resource realities; to make time, think nimbly, and collaborate locally." source
The Biennale features a diverse lineup of artists and collectives, including:
- Abul Hisham
- AdriƔn Villar Rojas
- Bani Abidi and Anupama Kundoo
- Cinthia Marcelle
- Dineo Seshee Bopape
- Gieve Patel
- Hicham Berrada
- Ibrahim Mahama
- Marina AbramoviÄ
- Naeem Mohaiemen
- Otobong Nkanga
- Tino Sehgal
A complete list of participating artists is available on the official Biennale website. source
The Biennale spans multiple venues across Kochi, including:
- Aspinwall House
- Pepper House
- Anand Warehouse
- Durbar Hall Gallery
- Various locations in Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, and Ernakulam
This expansion marks the largest footprint in the Biennale's history, encouraging visitors to explore the city's diverse neighborhoods and heritage sites. source
The Biennale serves as a significant platform for contemporary art in South Asia, fostering cultural exchange and dialogue. By emphasizing process and collaboration, this edition challenges traditional exhibition formats, encouraging artists and audiences to engage with art as an evolving and participatory experience. The focus on the body and Kochi's historical landscape invites reflections on memory, identity, and the socio-political fabric of the region.
Established in 2012, the Kochi-Muziris Biennale is India's largest contemporary art festival and the biggest in Asia. It has consistently provided a platform for artists worldwide to showcase their work, contributing to the global contemporary art discourse. source
The sixth edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, "For the Time Being," offers a dynamic and immersive experience, inviting visitors to engage with art that reflects the complexities of the human body and the rich tapestry of Kochi's history.
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