Remembering John . H . Aspinwall

The Aspinwall House being the heart of the ongoing Kochi Muziris Biennale (KMB) leaves no confusion for an enthusiast seeking the significance of Art Biennale in Kochi. 

Better explained here : http://kochimuzirisbiennale.org/concept/

For centuries, traders from Arabia, Egypt, Europe and China kept wandering around the coasts of Kerala searching for spices. Some of them made good business and left but some decided to stay and exploit further. John .H. Aspinwall was one such trades man who later carried forward the maritime tradition of Kochi and founded The Aspinwall and Company LTD in 1867. The company then became the center for spice trade from Kerala in the later half of 19th century following the legacy of spice trade that Muziris opened for the world.

A view from Aspinwall house ideally located near the port.

"The strange new music of the crying songs of the people we left behind mixing as your boat touches stone here as my new bones touch your bones."   
A text based installation by British artist Robert Montgomery as part of the Art Biennale facing the ferries in Aspinwall House.

Artist Subodh Gupta's installation during the process of creation in Aspinwall House.

 Artist Valsan Koorma Kolleri  working on his creation in Aspinwall House. Picture taken before the official day of starting of Biennale.

Art students and other enthusiasts volunteering to assist the artists a week prior to the start of the Biennale, painting history on the walls of Aspinwall House.

Visitors of Kochi Muziris Biennale enjoying a view of Kochi from the Aspinwall House's river facing building.

Most visitors experience a rediscovery of their concepts regarding contemporary  art and craft works. In picture a visitor walks through the dark corners on Aspinwall House looking out for the next creation to be seen in a building resembling a never ending canvas.

The poetic installation art lit up in broadway style light welcomes the seafarers and mariners back to land... back to Kochi.