Biennale’s residency programme focusses on Graffiti art

Kochi: Taking forward its popular initiative, the Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF) on Monday started the third post-graduate artists’ residency programme at Vagamon in Idukki with an aim to promote graffiti art.

The 10-day residency programme, organised in association with Palette People International Art Foundation and HCL, requires the artists to learn about the socio-political and historical background of Vagamon, one of the most scenic greenfield hill stations in India. The artists will also engage with the local people before conceptualising the theme for their art work.

These works will be created and displayed at a prominent public space in Vagamon. The artists selected for the project are Vishnu Nair, Hashvardhan Kadam, Somya Arora and Harisha Chennangod.

“This time, we decided to focus on graffiti as in India, the genre is yet to receive the attention that it deserves. As far as India is concerned, its vast social and political dimensions offer a great deal of opportunity for the art form to evolve,” KBF secretary Riyas Komu said. “The programme will help the artists to nurture their talents and master the art,” he added.

“Developing a Graffiti creation at Vagamon at this time of monsoon will be entirely a new experience for the artists,” said Cyril P Jacob, Director of Palette People. “We will provide necessary support and guidance for artists during their 10-day stay at the residency,” he said, adding that Palette has zeroed in on three or more locations to put up the art work.

The programme is meant for fresh graduates who want to pursue their career in art. It is also part of Kochi Biennale Foundation's ongoing attempts to take art to the general public and actively engage them in art-related initiatives.