Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2025-26: Indian Art Reweaves Global Narratives
Kochi, August 19, 2025 – The sixth edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB), set to unfold from December 12, 2025, to March 31, 2026, promises to redefine the global art stage by centering Indian contemporary artists in a dynamic, living ecosystem of creativity. Titled For the Time Being, this edition, curated by multidisciplinary artist Nikhil Chopra and Goa-based collective HH Art Spaces, will transform Kochi’s historic venues into a vibrant tapestry of performances, installations, and dialogues that bridge local histories with universal themes.
A New Vision for Indian Art
Under Chopra’s curatorial vision, the Biennale moves beyond traditional exhibition formats, embracing art as a fluid, participatory process. “We’re not just displaying art; we’re creating moments of connection where artists and audiences co-create meaning,” Chopra shared in an exclusive interview. This approach highlights Indian artists who explore themes of identity, memory, and resilience, positioning them alongside global peers in a dialogue that resonates with Kerala’s multicultural legacy. The Biennale’s emphasis on “friendship economies” fosters collaborative art-making, challenging the Western model of singular authorship.
Key Indian artists to watch include emerging talents like Priya Ravish Mehra, whose textile-based installations weave narratives of labor and loss, and Arjun Sawhney, whose interactive sound sculptures reimagine Kochi’s maritime past. Established names like Jitish Kallat, a former Biennale curator, will present new works that delve into ecological crises, while collectives like the Mumbai-based ArtLab Collective will stage site-specific performances in Fort Kochi’s spice warehouses, blending traditional Indian aesthetics with avant-garde experimentation.
Reimagining Kochi’s Cultural Landscape
The Biennale will activate historic venues like Aspinwall House, Pepper House, and Mattancherry’s heritage structures, with over 60 artists from India and abroad. A highlight is the Acts of Becoming, a series of durational performances curated by HH Art Spaces, where artists like Chennai-based dancer Preethi Athreya will explore bodily memory through movement, engaging audiences in real-time creation. “Kochi’s layered history as a port city allows us to weave global and local threads into something entirely new,” says Madhavi Gore, co-founder of HH Art Spaces.
The event also introduces innovative programs like the Students’ Biennale, spotlighting young Indian artists from state-funded art colleges, and the Art By Children initiative, which invites school students to co-create murals inspired by Kerala’s folklore. These efforts underscore KMB’s commitment to democratizing art, making it accessible to local communities while amplifying Indian voices globally.
Global Stage, Local Roots
The Kochi-Muziris Biennale stands out for its artist-led ethos, a rarity in the global biennale circuit. By drawing on Kochi’s history as a trading hub and the mythical port of Muziris, it offers a counter-narrative to Western-centric art discourses. “Indian artists are not just participating; they’re shaping the conversation,” says Bose Krishnamachari, KMB president. The Biennale’s inclusive approach, with ticket prices starting at ₹100 and free entry for Kerala residents on select days, ensures broad accessibility.
International collaborations, such as the Durjoy Bangladesh Foundation/Kochi-Muziris Biennale Award, will further elevate South Asian artists, offering one Indian participant a chance to exhibit at London’s Hayward Gallery. This global-local synergy positions KMB 2025-26 as a pivotal moment for Indian contemporary art to claim its space on the world stage.
Looking Ahead
As preparations intensify, the Biennale promises a sensory journey through exhibitions, workshops, film screenings, and talks. The full artist list, expected in October 2025, will reveal more names, but early announcements suggest a bold mix of veterans and newcomers. With Kerala’s government securing Aspinwall House as a permanent heritage venue, the Biennale’s future looks robust, ready to weave Indian art into the global cultural fabric like never before.