Kader Attia, a French-Algerian artist and curator, will curate the seventh edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, scheduled to run from December 12, 2024, to April 12, 2025. The Biennale Society announced his appointment, highlighting Attia’s extensive experience and critical engagement with themes of colonialism, migration, and repair.
Attia’s curatorial approach, titled “Possibilities of Repair,” will explore the concept of ‘repair’ not merely as restoration but as a complex process encompassing social, political, and cultural dimensions. He intends to move beyond a Western-centric understanding of repair, incorporating perspectives from the Global South and indigenous knowledge systems. The Biennale will investigate how societies and individuals grapple with trauma, fragmentation, and the legacies of violence, seeking pathways towards healing and reconstruction.
The selection committee, chaired by artist Sudarshan Shetty, praised Attia’s intellectual rigor and his ability to foster dialogue across disciplines. They noted his commitment to showcasing artists from diverse backgrounds and his sensitivity to the historical and socio-political context of Kochi-Muziris.
Attia’s own artistic practice frequently addresses themes of rupture and reconstruction, often utilizing materials and techniques that reflect processes of repair and transformation. He has exhibited widely internationally and is known for his thought-provoking installations and films.
The seventh edition aims to be a platform for artists who are actively engaged in addressing contemporary challenges and envisioning alternative futures. The Biennale Society anticipates that Attia’s curatorship will contribute to a deeper understanding of the complexities of repair and its relevance in a world marked by conflict and displacement. The event will be held across multiple venues in Kochi and Muziris, continuing the Biennale’s tradition of integrating art with the region’s rich cultural heritage. Preparations are underway to ensure a robust and engaging program for artists and visitors alike.
