Contemporary artist and curator Jitish Kallat will take on the role of President of the Kochi–Muziris Biennale to chair the selection of the curator for the next edition. The announcement was made by Dr. Venu V., Chairperson of the Foundation.
Kallat, who is based in Mumbai, is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Kochi Biennale Foundation. He previously served as curator of the second edition of the Kochi–Muziris Biennale (2014–15), titled ‘Whorled Explorations.’ At the Board’s request, he has agreed to assume this role and chair the selection of the curator for the next edition.
Kallat takes on this responsibility following the decision of Bose Krishnamachari, co-founder of the Biennale, to step down earlier this year.
Jitish Kallat said, “The Kochi–Muziris Biennale has played an extraordinary role in shaping conversations around contemporary art in India and beyond. At the Board’s request, I have agreed to chair the selection of the curator for the next edition. I look forward to working with colleagues to ensure a thoughtful and rigorous selection.”
One of India’s leading contemporary artists, Kallat’s work explores the intersections of science, historical memory and existential inquiry, often reflecting on humanity’s planetary presence and place in the cosmos. It often juxtaposes the everyday with the cosmic, the present with the historical, and the terrestrial with the celestial.
The sixth edition of the Kochi–Muziris Biennale, titled For the Time Being, is currently underway. Curated by Nikhil Chopra with HH Art Spaces, the edition will conclude on March 31, 2026. The Biennale is organised by the Kochi Biennale Foundation, a non-profit organisation established in 2010.
1 Comment
Interesting choice with Jitish Kallat as the leading curator. I wonder how his vision will influence the biennale this time.