After a successful first edition in 2016, Chennai Photo Biennale (CPB) is back in 2019 and will be spread along the length of the city from February 22 to March 24, 2019. From the beaches in South Chennai to the fishing villages of the north, CPB aims to extend itself beyond traditional exhibition spaces to public spaces and those parts of Chennai that have remained outside the realm of contemporary cultural activities. This 2nd edition will be bigger than the last edition showing works of 50 artists in prints from over 13 countries. Alongside the exhibitions, the Biennale will include an extensive programme of artist talks, workshops, films, projections, residencies, skill development in photography and much more.
CPB has chosen renowned sculptor and photo performance artist, Pushpamala N. as the Artistic Director for the second edition. The philosophy for this edition is Fauna of Mirrors, an old Chinese myth that talks about an alternate universe that exists behind the mirror; another dimension which is home to unknown creatures and unknown worlds.
One of the highlights of the Biennale is the International Photography Conference to be held on March 16 and 17 (at the historic Egmore Museum Theatre). It is the first-of-its-kind in India and open to all. The title of the conference is Light Writing: The Photographic Image Reloaded and it is supported by the Shergil-Sundaram Arts Foundation and presented by Savera. The conference will include a dynamic program of artists, curators and scholars from different parts of the world who will present papers and discuss the state of photography today.
The Biennale aims to engage and enrich diverse communities and encourage viewing photography in a more democratic and accessible way. By energising venues all over Chennai, the Biennale hopes to enhance the cultural offering of the city to residents and visitors alike. Locations include: Senate House - the University of Madras, Government College of Fine Arts, Government Museum, Madras Literary Society, Southern Railway: Chennai Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS), Cholamandal Artists’ Village and Art Houz Gallery with many of the exhibitions adapted to the exceptional architecture and ambience of the venues. The Biennale includes international artists supported by various Foreign Cultural institutions in India including the British Council, InKo Centre, Canadian Consulate, Institut Français, Japan Foundation and Pro-Helvetia Delhi.
To learn more about the schedule of the Biennale, check out http://chennaiphotobiennale.com/
