Kochi Muziris Biennale has created a conducive environment for these art photographers

The city is starting to immerse itself in a creative spirit as the initial list of artists coming down for Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2018 is out. Criticism about the earlier editions hardly featuring Indian names seems to have been sorted with the card citing quite a few Indian creators. But, unnoticed by the festival-visitors, Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB) has been breeding a set of artists in the form of photographers enrolled to cover the events at the fête. We speak to some of them who have been closely associated with the foundation while developing their own oeuvre and style of art. 

Antony B M

Inspired by his father’s passion for nature photography, this young artiste has been exploring the medium since high school. Reflecting on his childhood influences, Antony’s frames revolve around landscapes and, patterns in the architectural and natural world. Working with KMB since the first edition, he says that his art has been majorly influenced by Muziris site visits with incoming artists. “I’m currently exploring the art potential in live music scenarios including the possibilities of post-production techniques like false colour,” says Antony, whose works have been featured in publications like National Geographic. Instagram @melomaniacc

Joseph Rahul

There’s no concept of ‘art photography’ for this youngster. Instead, it’s about an artistic inclination which subconsciously creates a perception. “Each photograph has to come close to the previsualised image we have in mind. Biennale opened up new ways of composition for me,” says Joseph, who has been working for Kochi Biennale Foundation since 2014. Limiting the use of post-production work, Joseph’s work revolves around abstract and surreal elements, especially in landscapes. Monochrome and seasonal astrophotography are other interests of this lensman, who believes that strength of ideas behind each photograph is important in the digital age. Instagram @josephrahul_

Rakesh Anand

There’s a grey area between the genres of any art and Rakesh’s photos can be said to be occupying one of these. Mostly soaking up street life and portraits, his work also has a large documentary scope. “I’ve been fascinated by the work of artists like K R Sunil and believe in capturing the stories of diverse lives in a canvas,” says Rakesh, who’s an engineer-turned-cinematographer working with Kochi Biennale Foundation. This shutterbug’s portfolio also showcases an artistic fascination with the heritage of Kerala through snippets of Malabar’s ritualistic form Theyyam. Instagram @_anandrakesh  

*******

Conducive environs
Besides promoting the creativity of a few individuals, the Biennale has devised an apt environment for visual artists.  “The initiative has helped generate more appreciation for art photography and has helped create a closer association among experimental artists,” says Francis Kurian Enejikkal, who is popularly known for his Facebook page Franky Photography which features psychedelic photo art.
Other Instagrammers on our radar: @dreaming_digital, @allwynantony_,@swanoopjohn