Q&A: RIYAZ KOMU

With the third edition of the Kochi Muziris Biennale just a few months away, its co-founder RIYAS KOMU talks about the tag of a political artist and the space for dissent

Q. Several art festivals have come up after the Kochi Muziris Biennale bagan. How do you see this development?

It is exciting that the Kochi Biennale in Kerala and Serendipity in Goa are not only giving opportunities to contemporary artists but also bringing art closer to the people. This has been possible because these states are realising the importance of investing in culture, and not just from the tourism point of view. They can definitely serve as a blueprint for other states.

Q. You dislike the tag of ‘political artist’ despite a strong political and social narrative in your work.

I dislike tags of all kinds. It does not matter what people say. Historically, only that art survives which has a very strong political or social relation with the time it was created. For me, history and society have always been areas of interest.

Q. As an artist, what do you feel about the contemporary social and political mood?

I feel very energised despite the depressing times we live in. I want to produce more as a response to it.

Q. Several artists complain about the shrinking space for dissent in India.

I feel that dissent is reinventing its strategy and taking creative forms to make itself heard, and there is an impact. Politically, look at Jignesh Mevani. There is a certain enigma about him. Whenever dissent is stomped, it will reincarnate in a creative way. We don’t have to worry too much about this.

Q. You are the force behind the Children’s Biennale and the Student’s Biennale. Tell us about introducing children to arts.

Gradually, parents and institutions are realising the importance of art in the lives of students. Education cannot be imparted in classrooms alone. Music, art, cinema and theatre play a decisive role. The Children’s Biennale and Student’s Biennale are important parts of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale.