Creativity begins with curiosity – insights from the Kochi-Muziris Biennale

PhotoSparks is a weekly feature from YourStory, with photographs that celebrate the spirit of creativity and innovation. In the earlier 320 posts, we featured an art festival, cartoon gallery. world music festival, telecom expo, millets fair, climate change expo, wildlife conference, startup festival, Diwali rangoli, and jazz festival.

Also read: Beyond trends and talent: how to master the four laws of creativity for business success

With artists drawn from across India and around the world, visitors to the fourth edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale were treated to a wealth of exhibits and insights on the creative movement. The festival featured works by 95 artists in 10 locations around the scenic Fort Kochi district, along with nine satellite venues. See Part I, Part II, Part III and Part IV of our photo essays, and our coverage of the Bangkok Biennale.

“Art is a medium that helps artists connect with people, community, and place, through their stories, conversation, history, emotions, thoughts, and lifestyle,” said Delhi-based artist Pallavi Singh, in a chat with YourStory. “Artists try to bring all these on one common platform, which results not only in enriching the artist and the artwork, but in giving a lifetime experience to its viewers,” she adds.

She sees success as something beyond money and fame. “Success comes at multiple levels. If my work leaves an impression on viewers and they remember my work even after the exhibition is over, then that counts as success for me as an artist,” Pallavi explains.

“And last but not the least, if my idea is able to take a practical form, then I would again consider it as success for me. That is the toughest part of the journey,” she says.

She advises audiences to get exposure to art, and experience the art forms of different regions, geographies, ethos and emotions. “Galleries, exhibitions and festivals are the best place to learn and understand different styles and languages of art. There, you can eat, sleep and play art,” Pallavi enthuses.

“Bring your curiosity along. Art is about being curious,” she explains. She will also be exhibiting her work at the 24th Biennale of Humour and Satire in Art. It will be held later this year in Gabrovo, at the Museum House of Humour and Satire in Bulgaria. Pallavi will also be attending the art residency at Vermont Studio Centre in Burlington.

“Most importantly, I am working to further develop my project Haircut Museum – Under Construction. It is part of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, but will be expanded on a bigger scale,” Pallavi says. It will be an archival project with a history of the barber community at a pan-India level.

She also offers some advice to aspiring artists. “There is no formula for success. You are the master of your own journey, and everyone's journey will be different from the others,” she explains. “So, stop comparing, and concentrate on your path. Work hard towards it and believe in your ideas; it will take time, but it does work,” Pallavi signs off.

Now, what have you done today to nurture your curiosity and originality, and find your own distinct voice?

Also read: 'Creative thinking is your birthright' - success tips for creativity in a world of ideas

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