Kader Attia Becomes First Non-Indian Curator of Kochi Biennale

VENICE: The Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB), India’s premier contemporary art event, has announced Kader Attia as the curator for its seventh edition, set to take place in 2027-28. This marks a historic moment for the biennale, as Attia becomes the first non-Indian to lead the event. The announcement was made by Jitish Kallat, representing the Kochi Biennale Foundation, during the pre-opening events of the Venice Biennale on Friday.

Kader Attia, a 55-year-old French-Algerian artist, is renowned for his exploration of the effects of Western modernism and colonialism on non-Western cultures. His works are part of prestigious collections, including the Centre Pompidou in Paris, Tate Modern in London, and the Museum of Modern Art and Guggenheim in New York. Among his most celebrated creations is Ghost, an installation featuring hundreds of kneeling bodies wrapped in aluminum foil, which delves into themes of community silence and socio-political erasure.

Attia brings a wealth of experience to the role, having curated the Berlin Biennale in 2022 and won France’s prestigious Marcel Duchamp Prize in 2016. He is currently exhibiting at the Venice Biennale for the second time. Reflecting on his appointment, Attia described the Kochi Biennale as "the future" of contemporary art events. He praised its unique approach of inviting artists to serve as curators, which he believes fosters a deeper understanding between curators and participating artists.

Born to Algerian parents and raised in France and Algeria, Attia credits his upbringing for shaping his artistic philosophy. He recalled building his own toys as a child in a household with limited resources, emphasizing that "creation is not connected to means but to inspiration." This perspective, he said, will inform his approach to curating the biennale.

Attia also expressed his admiration for Kochi, a city he first encountered as an exhibiting artist at the biennale in 2014. He highlighted the event's ability to engage a diverse audience, including families and young children, throughout its duration. "It’s amazing how you have the direct feedback of the local population as an audience at KMB," he noted, contrasting it with other biennales that often see dwindling attendance after their opening days.

Kochi’s rich cultural history and its role as a port city with centuries of global exchange will serve as a foundation for Attia’s vision for the biennale. He plans to focus on the city’s multiculturalism and its layered influences while addressing contemporary global challenges, including the rapid pace of technological change. Attia emphasized the importance of art as a platform for presenting new ideas and fostering honest discussions about the pressing issues of our time.

As the seventh edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale approaches, Attia’s appointment signals an exciting new chapter for the event, promising a blend of global perspectives and a deep engagement with Kochi’s unique cultural fabric.