Biennales are large international art exhibitions held every two years. In contrast to Art Fairs, these are not objectively commercial in nature but held to showcase the art offerings from a region or country.
Participation in Biennales is through Government agencies or institutions, because these are mammoth affairs - typically the entire city is subsumed as venues for exhibitions, with large pavilions being built specifically for it and 'non - art' spaces being used as venues for exhibitions - it takes a long time to organize and hence they are held every other year. The events typically attract the art communities from the region, in the more prominent ones, from around the world and can last for a few days, weeks or months. The art exhibitions / pavilions are usually themed and supported by forums for discussion, performances, and various gatherings to allow for networking and discussions. The main idea remains to promote a destination as a cultural space and attract visitors and patrons.
India had Triennale - every third year - it started in 1968 and was oragnized by the Lalit Kala Akademi and had 11 editions.
Venice Biennale, the oldest in the world attracts submission for participation from all over the world and now houses thirty permanent national pavilions. In 2019, India gained access for participation after a hiatus of eight years, through considerable effort from Kiran Nader Museum of Art. As with other aspects of art in India, the success of international visibility rests with few prominent private institutions and individuals and is not part of the larger public mandate.
Venice Biennale 2019 (Lombard Odier)
The next edition of the Venice Biennale is slated from April to November 2022, and titled ‘The Milk of Dreams’. This name is borrowed from a book by Leonora Carrington, in which , as the Artistic Director Cecilia Alemani says, “the Surrealist artist describes a magical world where life is constantly re-envisioned through the prism of the imagination, and where everyone can change, be transformed, become something and someone else. The exhibition takes us on an imaginary journey through metamorphoses of the body and definitions of humanity.”
For an artist to be featured in any of the 90 odd Biennales that happen across the globe is considered a feather in their cap! One story that continues to be a point of mystery is M F Husain and Picasso, for the 1971 Sao Paulo Biennale Husain and Picasso were the only 2 artists who were invited to exhibit in the Hors de Concors - a dedicated room for their works. Husain sent 29 paintings on Mahabharata, and both the artist were to be part of a discussion (?) However Picasso did not send any works neither did the conversation happen and Husain never confirmed or denied any of these.
Kochi Biennale, 2018-19 (Hrishikesh Pawar)
Kochi-Muziris Biennale is a commendable effort as it was conceptualized and executed by a group of artists, led by Bose Krishnamachari and this is a well-received Biennale and a must visit in the art circuit. The first edition was inaugurated on December 12, 2012 and was a resounding success.
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