KMB 2025 an enriching and inspiring experience: Envoys from Britain and Canada

Mr. Paul Thoppil, Canada’s High Commissioner to Singapore; and Mr. Chadru Iyer, British Deputy High Commissioner to Karnataka and Deputy Trade Commissioner for Investment, South Asia, today hailed the ongoing Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB), saying the works on display are inspirational, energising and thought-provoking.

Diplomatic Presence:
- Paul Thoppil, Canada’s High Commissioner to Singapore
- Chandru Iyer, British Deputy High Commissioner to Karnataka and Deputy Trade Commissioner for Investment, South Asia
Both envoys praised the Biennale’s works as “inspirational, energising and thought-provoking.”

Artistic Impressions:
- Thoppil admired Ratna Gupta’s recycled weave patterns and Shajith’s landscapes of nature and animals.
- Iyer, on his first visit, said the artistic expressions left a “deep impression” and celebrated the global gathering of artists.

Voices from the Arts & Public:
- Film director TK Rajeev Kumar compared the Biennale to film festivals, noting each edition reveals new layers of meaning.
- Curator Rajeev Sethi praised Bhasha Chakrabarti’s installation on diaspora, calling it “serendipity” with layers of history.
- Literary critic Prof. P Pavithran reflected on the theme of time, space, and cultural hybridity.
- Local officials like Sub-collector Grandhe Sai Krishna and Dr. Febi Varghese lauded eco-friendly works and professional quality.

Overall Atmosphere:
The Biennale was described as a fusion of global artistry and socially relevant themes, with climate change, diaspora, and cultural diversity at the forefront.

📌 Takeaway: KMB 2025 is being celebrated not just as an art exhibition, but as a platform for dialogue on pressing global issues, attracting diplomats, artists, and thinkers alike.