Biennale Artworks Have a Deep Resonating Impact: Mohammed Safirulla

KOCHI:
Mohammed Y. Safirulla K., Director at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Govt. of India, has said the curatorial theme of the current edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB) resonates strongly in the present age shaped by rapid technological developments, particularly artificial intelligence.

A 2010-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre, Safirulla visited some Biennale venues and interacted with the artworks presented under the theme “For the Time Being.”

Reflecting on the exhibition, he noted that the artworks and installations prompt visitors to think beyond discussions of data and technology, drawing attention to issues such as migration, climate change, decay, and the disruptions that affect everyday life.

According to him, these works encourage viewers to reflect on how social and technological transformations impact people in different ways.

Safirulla said two installations that particularly stayed with him were by artist Birender Yadav and Abul Hisham.

Yadav’s installation, ‘Only the Earth Knows Their Labour’, speaks about how infrastructure and development have contributions from a vast majority of people who often remain invisible, he said.

The installation by artist Hisham’s ‘Healing Room’, Safirulla noted, highlights the significance of healing. “In times of a lot of uncertainty and disruption, it is important for human beings and societies. Humanity requires healing,” he said, adding that the work resonated deeply with him.

He also recalled his earlier association with the Biennale, noting that he had been involved in organising the event in 2016, and said it was meaningful to revisit the exhibition in its current edition. He also lauded the organisers for presenting a thoughtfully curated and impactful Biennale experience.