Arundhati Roy Lauds Kochi -Muziris Biennale as a Celebration of Art, Diversity and Kerala’s Spirit

Kochi: Renowned author Arundhati Roy, who visited the Kochi- Muziris Biennale on Saturday, praised the international art festival for its inclusivity, artistic freedom and deep connection to Kerala’s cultural spirit.

According to a press release issued by the Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF), Roy was deeply impressed by the innovative and thought -provoking works on display across the Biennale’s venues.

'Some of the works are beautiful, particularly the film by Kulpreet Singh. It was moving and dangerous, looking at everything that art should look at, including politics,' Roy told the organisers.

She also appreciated the Biennale’s non-corporate, non-commercial nature, saying it offered artists a rare platform to exhibit without market-driven constraints.

'I like the idea that it’s not corporate -sponsored or commercial. People have a chance to exhibit because art does not always have to be judged by how commercial it is,' she said.

Roy visited several venues in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry and expressed pride in her Keralite identity, describing the experience as deeply fulfilling.

'My heart is full walking around the Biennale, not just for the beautiful art, but for the real star, Kerala and Cochin, the ancient buildings around, and the public,' she said.

She added that few places could host such an event with the same level of beauty and institutional support, including from the state government. 'I really can’t imagine another place that would accommodate such beauty, with such support even from the state government, something the rest of India needs to learn from,' Roy noted.

Reflecting on the broader role of culture, Roy said it thrives on supporting artists, writers and musicians, as well as those who engage with their work.

'Today, we are at a moment where this could either be blown apart or come together with immense strength and power. The diversity here in Mattancherry, Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jews, Communists, people from across India and the world, shows what is possible,' she said. Calling the region a space that encourages expansive thinking, Roy said she felt proud to be associated with a place that nurtures such cultural and intellectual openness.