Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2018 - Ecocide and the rise of free fall, an installation by Marzia Farhana

A symbolic representation of impermanence 

Thought-provoking art

Kerala experienced a natural calamity in the form of massive floods in August 2018 that devastated the whole State. Thousands lost their homes, valuable possessions, many people died, and the psychological trauma was severe. The recovery has only just started, and it will take a very long time to erase the trauma that has been left behind by the ugly face of Nature. Massive efforts have been undertaken by the Government, social organizations, the people and well-wishers from all over the world have come forward to extend a helping hand to the sufferers.                                 

Water is our lifeline, but it can wreak havoc as well

Marzia Farhana, a Bangladeshi artist through this installation is prompting us to think about the way we treat mother Nature who we manipulated mercilessly to our welfare compromising the delicate balance the environment has. All over the world, the story is the same, trees have been cut, greenery is thrashed, rivers were diverted, pollution is increasing, and the deadly wastes accumulating. 

                                                                                      

A creative installation

A brilliant depiction

She has used many materials collected from the flood-affected areas for this installation. Located at the Aspinwall House, the main venue of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2018, this installation is a must watch. The materials we use for our comfort and pleasure are suspended mid-air from the roof that symbolically represents the delicate way humans sustain in this world which one day is doomed to perish! A massive earthquake, a tsunami, huge floods, etc. are more than sufficient to destroy within seconds what we have built over a period of many years! Sadly, we still do not have time, resources and energy to think of the ways to prevent, foresee and deal with such natural catastrophes!

Profile of the artist and what this art means

Electronic items, household materials, vehicles, books, clothes etc. were destroyed. Many businesses became bankrupt completely and possessions of a lifetime were lost. Valuable documents, certificates, and other important records were destroyed.

A highly reflective depiction

A very powerful and thought-provoking artwork indeed!

A huge loss!

In this installation titled ‘ecocide and the rise of free fall,’ Marzia Farhana points out the dangers that lie ahead if we do not treat this planet the way it should be. On the one side we have to rebuild what we lost, but on the other hand, we have to take great care about Nature, there should be preventive steps as well. Definite plans to tackle such calamities in case they happen again are indeed very important.

                    

www.kochimuzirisbiennale.org

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Mahé River - the English channel of India

A serene spot

Mahé River, an important river in the northern part of Kerala originates from the Western Ghats, traverses the hilly Wayanad region, to join the Arabian Sea at Mahé. This region has historical importance being under the French administration before India's independence when the neighboring Tellicherry (Thalassery) was ruled by the British and the Mahé river separating these two territories came to be known as the 'English channel of India'!

Enjoy the cool breeze!

Mahé river occupies an important sequence in the famous novel 'Mayyazhippuzhayude Theerangalil', by Mr. M. Mukundan, the renowned writer. Mahé is known as 'Mayyazhi' in Malayalam and 'Puzha' denotes river. 

Plenty of photo opportunities!

This is a recently built walk-way strip from the Manjakkal boat jetty area. The walkway at the Tagore park section is what most people are familiar with. This side also is beautiful!

A comfortable walkway

Those who visit North Kerala particularly Thalassery, Mahe and the nearby regions have so many options like this which are all wonderful spots worth visiting. Spending an evening here enjoying the greenery, fresh air, and the cool breeze would be unforgettable!

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Subhash Bose Park, Kochi

Sit, watch, and relax :)

The renovated Subhash Bose park is situated at Marine drive in the heart of the city of Kochi in Kerala. A beautiful view of the backwaters, lush greenery, tall trees, flowers, lawns, good walkways, comfortable seating arrangements, play areas for kids, some outdoor exercise facilities, a small eatery, music, and beautiful lighting are some of the notable features of this park.

Lush greenery 

This is a wonderful spot where people in the city can enjoy the cool sea breeze, walk or jog, sit relaxed, watch Sunset enjoying the beautiful view of the skyline bordering the backwaters where ships, boats, and valloms (country-boats) glide. There is no entry fee; the park is very well maintained.

Enjoy art

The highlight of this park is the wonderful artworks restored when the park was renovated recently. It is a wonderful feeling looking at these beautiful pieces of art totally in sync with nature in this park. Everything in nature is an artistic creation in its own right but something created that blends seamlessly with the scenery is a rare sight. Hats off to the authorities and to the group of artists who had the determination to make such wonderful things happen! 

Art in sync with Nature

For many people enjoying art means going to a museum to view paintings, antiques or artifacts but what about getting a feel of such amazing sculptures right in the middle of nature? Art in any form is powerful, soothing, and comforting. It is a creative activity watching art, thinking, and interpreting it. Spend some time quietly with them, get the feel of your own creative thought processes which are unique to everyone. Anyone can enjoy art!

Backwaters view

Kochi is a happening place in the State of Kerala in India! The Biennale was a unique experience to our place and its next edition is almost due at Fort Kochi. Artistic installations of the previous Biennales were a treat for the eyes, can't wait for it to start!

Restored art

This is a restored work by Saurab Roy Choudhary, son of the late Sabari Roy Choudhari who first created it. With whatever that could be found he restored it. A great example of the fact that art never perish! Some way or in some form it makes its presence felt in nature; sometimes it remains forever in the minds of people even after its disappearance from the original form! Art is immortal!

Beautiful!

There are many more here; maybe later I will post a YouTube video about this park. Make it a point to visit here, you won't be disappointed!

This is an ideal spot for those interested in cloud watching. Check my blog post https://magicalpresent.blogspot.com/2018/10/cloud-watching-meditative-activity.html

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Dharmadam beach - a serene destination!

An unforgettable picture!

It was not a pre-planned visit to this beach when I had to go to North Malabar last month. But I feel lucky to capture these amazing pictures of Sunset at this beautiful spot. Dharmadam (Dharmadom) beach is a must-see destination on the way from Thalassery to Kannur very close to Thalassery. No one will be disappointed visiting this amazing destination where nature is blessed with beautiful scenery everywhere!

Another fascinating photo!

The sea had receded more than the usual limit when we visited there. Such unusual phenomena were quite common along the coastal lines of Kerala after the dreadful floods recently.

The twilight scenes were a treat to the camera eyes!

Amazing capture!

There is a beach park at Dharmadam packed with a lot of activities so kids will not be disappointed visiting here. Overall, this is a very cool beach!

Dharmadom Thuruthu

A panoramic view of the famous Dharmadam island (Thuruthu) is another attraction. This is a small island filled with lush greenery surrounded by the Anjarakkandy river on its three sides and the Arabian sea on the other side.

The soil at the Dharmadam beach is not loose like other beaches and is much alike the Muzhappilangad beach, the only drive-in beach in Kerala.

Check the old post,  https://magnificentdewdrops.blogspot.com/2013/04/muzhappilangad-drive-in-beach-hidden.html for more details about Muzhappilangad beach.

No doubt Dharmadam beach is a must-see destination in North Kerala!

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Happy friendship day...

Wishing a very happy friendship day! @Subhash bose park, Kochi

Wish you all a very happy friendship day!!!

I take this opportunity to wish all my blogger friends a very happy friendship day😊

As you all know, today is friendship day! It is interesting to dwell deeper into the origin of the concept of friendship day during this very cool occasion. Probably originated from an idea floated by the greeting card industry to boost their sales, this movement has picked up momentum triggered by the popularity through the social media. Now it has been recognized worldwide as an important day. People value friendships a lot and it is very true that good friends help in personal growth through mutual support and serve as anchors in times of need. It is of no surprise that the need for a unique day to celebrate good friendship was adopted very fast by the people from different parts of the world.

People from many countries including India are celebrating friendship day, today, the 5th of August. In some other parts of the world people celebrate friendship day on other days, but in Asia, the first Sunday in August remain popular as the friendship day. However, WHO has officially named 30th July as the friendship day.

Join hands, let us celebrate a very happy friendship day!!!

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