Arka Kinari: Performance vessel in Kochi to enthral Kochi Biennale audience

Arka Kinari, the sailboat anchored in Kochi, is not a regular vessel that sails the seas. It a floating cultural platform led by noted artists Gray Filastine and Nova, to promote art and celebrate unique cultures. Arka Kinari has reached Kochi as part of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale. 

Gray and Nova
The 70-tonne Indonesian vessel is piloted by noted American audio-visual artist Grey Filastine and Indonesian musician and environmental activist Nova Ruth. Arka Kinari is on a voyage to promote resilience to climate change and re-engagement with the sea. Filastine and Nova used to travel around the world by air to deliver climate change awareness classes. However, they soon realised that their lifestyle or mode of transport conflicted with their ideology. They sold their house and bought an old German fishing vessel.

The duo installed solar panels and wind turbines on the vessel to eliminate reliance on fossil fuels. Moreover, they turned the vessel into a floating stage where artists and performers could showcase their talents. Arka Kinari began its voyage from Rotterdam in 2019. Meanwhile, the vessel remained in the Pacific Ocean for months due to the COVID-19 outbreak. 

To Kochi
Arka Kinari sailed to Kochi after participating in the Colombo Scope Festival in Sri Lanka. After sailing for three days, the vessel anchored at KTDC’s marina in Kochi. “We lived in the Indonesian sea for over five years. This is our first trip to India. The crew members are from countries such as the US, Indonesia, and Spain. We have resident artists, too. Meanwhile, two artists accompanied us from Colombo, while the other two are from France,” says Nova. 

Arka is a Latin term meaning "vessel," while Kinari is a guardian who is also a musician. These artists believe they are the guardians of the coastal people and their music, which they fear will be consumed by the sea due to climate change. “We aim to live in the future. Human beings are responsible for climate change. If humans refuse to change, then large parts of the Earth will be covered in water, and we will run out of fossil fuels. We will need to learn how to pilot a ship. Arka Kinari could be seen as a project for the future,” Nova adds. 

Arka Kinari's voyages strictly adhere to sustainable methods. It runs primarily on solar panels and wind energy. Sea water is purified and used as drinking water. Nova says that the crew members try to be as self-sufficient as possible. 

Cultural delight
The crew of Arka Kinari have been presenting amazing cultural performances and programs as part of the Kochi – Muziris Biennale. Lout Loud, a special musical concert that combines the musical traditions of various island nations, would be held on February 13 at 3 pm at the Fort Kochi water metro’s ABC Art Room. Meanwhile, Port Performance, a multimedia show that turns the vessel's sails into giant screens, will be held on February 14 at 7.30 pm at Aspinwall. It would be a unique cultural show featuring the vibrant beats of Indonesian folk songs, electronic music, and visual elements.