In Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, the vibrant interplay of art, history, and politics is vividly depicted through murals that transform public spaces into living galleries. Artist Jinil Manikandan, a member of the collective Trespassers, emphasizes the unique nature of public art’s impermanence. “That is the unique nature of public art — the impermanence of it, combined with public interactions, gives the painting a different life,” he notes, reflecting on the vulnerability of murals to environmental factors and the potential for decay.
Manikandan recalls a mural the collective created in Kozhikode’s Copra Market in 2021, illustrating the journey of coconuts. Upon revisiting, they found the mural integrated into its surroundings, with coconuts stacked against the wall, imbuing it with a ‘lived’ quality. Presently, their mural at Cube Art Space in Mattancherry is a striking 20×35-foot portrayal of local life, blending vivid colors with surreal elements, such as a tightrope walker and a tiger’s tail. Their other work, located on Armaan Collective’s wall, draws inspiration from the maritime community, showcasing local fishing boats and life.
Manikandan explains that their approach to mural creation is organic, rooted in the area’s lore and interactions with local people. As part of the Kochi Muziris Biennale’s Island Mural Project, various artists and collectives have transformed the walls of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry into artistic expressions, inviting audiences to experience these neighborhoods afresh.
Murals, historically minimal, have emerged as powerful mediums of political and social commentary. “Art is political; it has to be. Even when an artist claims to be apolitical, they state their politics,” says Manikandan. In 2012, the anonymous artist known as Guesswho, dubbed the ‘Indian Banksy,’ began leaving striking works around Fort Kochi, including playful reinterpretations of historical figures, reflecting political nuances and local culture.
Neelu Sengupta, Storytelling Head of the Fearless Collective, articulates that murals democratize art by moving it beyond the confines of galleries. The Fearless Collective, founded in 2012 by Shilo Shiv Suleman, emphasizes collaborative public art created in partnership with women and underrepresented communities globally. Their recent work on the Indian Coast Guard office features large portraits honoring local fisherfolk and advocates for marine conservation.
Osheen Siva’s mural near Aspinwall House engages with caste-oppressed narratives and delves into the cultural histories of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile, Munir Kabani’s ‘A Wall of Love’ near Artshila juxtaposes language and visual perception with appealing graphics that invite viewers to reflect.
The Aravani Art Project focuses on representing transgender narratives, illustrating the lives of women at the Women and Children Hospital in Mattancherry. This effort highlights the ongoing dialogue in public art and the commitment to inclusivity.
Muralist Reshidev RK’s work near Pepper House intricately weaves Fort Kochi’s history into a visual narrative, capturing significant figures like Vasco Da Gama in a richly detailed composition. Contrastingly, whimsical projects like ‘Amphibian Aesthetics’ at Ishaara House pay homage to regional issues, using humor to engage with ecological and identity themes.
Despite the ongoing Kochi Muziris Biennale, these murals will remain part of the community fabric, continuing to resonate long after the event’s conclusion. As the public absorbs these vibrant expressions, they will spark conversations, inspire creativity, and evolve as part of daily life in this dynamic cultural landscape. Public art continues to be a potent form of expression, reflecting the complexities of society while creating spaces for dialogue and reflection in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry.
Art tags: Public Art, Murals, Kochi Muziris Biennale, Community, Political Expression, Local Culture.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/art/beyond-the-biennale-how-murals-are-rewriting-kochis-streets/article70760866.ece
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Publish Date: 2026-03-21 10:52:00
