As I traveled around the city, meeting new people and having new experiences, I couldn't help but feel ambivalent about how the Biennale might affect my creativity. While navigating the many venues of Kochi-Muziris Biennale 22-23, I observed people interacting with the various installations, images, and works of visual art in countless ways, often appearing confused. I'll admit, I was occasionally puzzled by a few artworks myself.
With people coming from all four corners of the world, Cochin is far more diverse than I have ever imagined. I was surrounded with freckled and suntanned faces, both young and elderly, wearing colorful clothing. As an artist, it was inspiring to see these individuals enjoying our craft, clothing, and way of life.
Despite this, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was watching everything through an invisible camera lens, as if I didn't quite belong anywhere or there.
As I explored Pepper House, one of my favourite spots for a cup of coffee and also another venue for the Kochi-Muziris Biennale , I had the pleasure of meeting May Stamker, a native of Israel. I noticed her adding a touch of vibrancy to the area with her vivid pink hair, which moved quickly among the white walls of the heritage property. Impressed by her presence, I asked if I could take a few photographs, and May kindly agreed. I wonder what her interpretations were gazing at the exhibited images.
As luck would have it, I also ran into Beligna and her daughter Milenna while exploring the area. Beligna, who was 82 years old when I took these portraits of her, is living proof that anything is achievable with good health. She has such a colorful personality, which was simply refreshing to witness. "I am saddened to see how things had changed since the 1980s, but I am also relieved to know that some things may never change like the buildings here," said Beligna.
There's something magical about shared spaces, like I got to share the table with the two—how they create room for unexpected connections, deep conversations, and fleeting yet meaningful moments. A simple table can hold stories, laughter, silence, and even unspoken understanding between strangers.
Meeting Igorr (in the images below), a Spanish traveller who appears to be quite exhausted in these images, I was utterly taken aback. Igorr helped me to understand in the most simplest way why Hindi should always be chosen above English for Indians. I'm pleased that we were able to connect on a human level and have some enlightening conversations. These are the types of interactions that uplift you and show you both how simple and tough saying goodbye can be. I might never meet him again, but he left a lasting impression on me.
Celine, I heard the name when the owner at The Idiom Booksellers called for assistance. I turned around and there she was, a petite old woman, dressed wisely and greeting me with a polite smile with immense kindness reflecting from her face. Her eyes, just like my grandmothers. For a second it felt as if it was her, just when I was trying to settle the pacing thoughts, I saw the watch she was wearing. That's it, I knew I had a lot to know of her and straightaway asked if I could take a few portraits to which she agreed happily but slight shyly.
While taking her portraits, I started conversing with her by first complementing for her watch. It was her husband's. She has been working in the bookstore for over 20 years. It was painful to know that she has lost all her family members including her kids yet that smile was enduring.
