Kader Attia, a renowned artist currently featured in Koyo Kouoh's exhibition at the Venice Biennale, has been appointed to curate the 2027 edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, India's premier biennial event.
Attia, who received France's prestigious Prix Marcel Duchamp, is celebrated for his sculptures and installations that address the impacts of colonialism in North Africa. He has previously curated the 2022 Berlin Biennale, which was noted for its focus on artists from the Global South.
This selection aligns with the tradition of inviting prominent artists to lead the Kochi-Muziris Biennale. The most recent edition was organized by Nikhil Chopra, collaborating with HH Art Spaces, while Anita Dube curated the event in 2018.
Jitish Kallat, a notable Indian artist, praised Attia for his "artistic depth, curatorial openness, and a strong pedagogic sensibility" during the selection process.
In his statement, Attia expressed his enthusiasm for returning to Kochi, stating, "Since my first visit, I have dreamed of reconnecting with the diverse influences that define this culturally rich city. I am excited to bring this vision to fruition with the incredible team at the Kochi-Muziris Biennale for its seventh edition. Art, like dreams, has the power to heal, and this biennial will provide a unique space for us to reclaim our aspirations."
Attia steps into this role during a transformative time for the biennial. Recently, Bose Krishnamachari, one of the co-founders, resigned from his position amid various challenges, although the details surrounding his departure were not fully disclosed until later.
Venu Vasudevan, chairperson of the foundation overseeing the biennial, remarked that Attia's appointment signifies "an exciting new chapter" for the event.