In a major development in Kerala’s cultural landscape, renowned artist and curator Bose Krishnamachari has resigned from his position as President of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale and as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF), citing pressing family reasons for the decision. His departure was announced on January 14, 2026, marking the end of a leadership era at one of India’s most significant contemporary art events.
Krishnamachari, 63, is a co-founder of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, which began in 2012 alongside fellow artist Riyas Komu with the aim of establishing a world-class platform for contemporary art in India. Over the past 15 years, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the Biennale’s vision — both creatively and administratively — helping transform it into one of South Asia’s largest and most influential international art festivals. His involvement included co-curating the inaugural edition and guiding the event through multiple editions, expanding its global presence and community outreach.
In his formal statement, Krishnamachari said that after more than a decade of deep commitment to building the Biennale, he felt it was the right moment to step back and return to his own artistic practice, while also attending to family commitments. He emphasized that the Foundation is now in a “strong place,” giving him peace in making this decision.
The Kochi Biennale Foundation has initiated the process of identifying a successor with high credentials in the global art world to take over the presidency. Foundation chairperson Dr Venu Vasudevan highlighted the ongoing search, underlining the organization’s intention to ensure continuity in leadership without disrupting the current sixth edition of the Biennale, titled For the Time Being, which continues to attract audiences and artists from India and around the world.
Art commentators have described Krishnamachari’s exit as the end of an era, acknowledging his integral contribution to putting Kochi firmly on the international contemporary art map.
News as reported
