Kochi Biennale through artist Bhasha Chakrabarti's eyes: Memorable experiences, favourite venues

Honolulu-based artist Bhasha Chakrabarti is at the Kochi Muziris Biennale (KMB) for the third time this year. But unlike her earlier visits, Bhasha got a few extra days to check out Fort Kochi and has even planned a New Year trip to Mararikulam with her friends. The artist, whose work 'Diasporic Transcriptions' is on display at the Aspinwall House of the sixth KMB, says she is also excited to see people engaging with her work. The installation, featuring seven levitating quilts made from her family's clothing for different generations, also includes paintings, songs and soundscapes. 

'Feeling like I gave birth'
Having worked on the installation since the beginning of the year, Bhasha jokes that the nine months of effort feel like giving birth to it. "Regardless, it was great to see people picking up the connections of each element and how the painting, textile and sound are all equally important to the installation. I was told that they could see how even the sound is also 'quilted' together with the rest of the work," says the 34-year-old. 

Her favourite venues
So far, Bhasha has also found some time to roam around Fort Kochi and even attempted a jankar ferry ride to Vypin. "I loved the lovely beaches there and also got to explore Mattancherry a bit," she says. Kochi Muziris Biennale's sixth edition has around 22 venues this time. Here are Bhasha's top picks of the 22. 

1) Aspinwall House
"It offers a great introduction to the Kochi Muziris Biennale," says Bhasha, who loves the heritage property's sea-facing location. "The best part is how you can sit outside for breaks and check out the ocean," she exclaims. Her favourite works of the venue are Biraaj Dodiya's 'Doom Organ' and Faiza Hasan's 'Sea.'

"I have been following Biraaj for a while, and it's great to see the change and turn in her work. Faiza and I are in opposite rooms. While her work's ambience is light and airy, mine is dark and evokes an intimate night. I love the balance between these works," Bhasha observes. 

2) Anand Warehouse
The big installations here shouldn't be missed, according to Bhasha, who also has a personal connection to some of them. For instance, Jamaican-American artist Nari Ward's 'Divine Smiles'. "You know, he is one of the artists whose works inspired me to become one. I used to live near his studio while in New York. The opportunity to show alongside him, in itself, is an honour. I also got to meet him and share all of this," says Bhasha, who loved Ward's artwork that invites people to smile into open cans with mirrors. "I love its interaction aspect and how it makes people smile," she says, adding that the corridor that features the works of Nari Ward, Prabhakar Kamble and artist Ibrahim Mahama's Parliament of Ghosts is a great KMB spot. 

3) 111 Markaz Gallery and Cafe (KVJ)
Bhasha says she was spellbound by Nigerian-Belgian artist Otobong Nkanga's garden installation and Greek artist Athina Koumparouli's work 'Deep sea, Deep time' at the venue. 

Bhasha's favourite foods
The US-based artist confesses she has been eating mainly Kerala food ever since she arrived! "I love fish pollichathu wrapped in banana leaves, and appam, at all times of the day." And where is she heading for her favourites? "Fusion Bay, Fort Paragon at Cochin Club and Solar Cafe opposite the Dutch Warehouse! Almost every day, I have been having Solar Cafe's seafood thali. They also have some great clams offered there," she recommends.