Artist Bose Krishnamachari has stepped down from his leadership roles at the Kochi Biennale Foundation. He resigned as president of the Kochi Muziris Biennale and as a member of the foundation's Board of Trustees on January 14, 2026.
Family Reasons Cited for Resignation
The Kochi Biennale Foundation announced the resignation in a press release. Venu Vasudevan, the chairperson of KBF, confirmed the news. The foundation stated that Krishnamachari cited pressing family reasons for his decision to leave both positions.
The press release acknowledged his significant contributions. It said Krishnamachari has been one of the most influential figures in the growth and evolution of the biennale. The foundation has now begun the process of finding a new president. They are looking for an eminent person with high credentials in the art world to take on this important role.
Krishnamachari's Founding Role
Bose Krishnamachari was not just a president. He was also a co-founder of the biennale itself. He helped establish the event alongside artist Riyas Komu back in 2012. Krishnamachari served as co-curator for the first edition of the biennale that year.
Riyas Komu, his co-founder, resigned from all management positions connected to the biennale in 2018. This followed allegations of sexual misconduct against him. The foundation has seen several organizational changes in recent years.
Current Biennale and Recent Changes
The sixth edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale is currently underway. Titled "For the Time Being," it opened on December 12, 2025. Performance artist Nikhil Chopra and his team HH Art Spaces curated this edition. The event will continue until March 31, 2026.
The Kochi Biennale Foundation has undergone significant restructuring recently. In 2024, former Chief Secretary to the Government of Kerala Venu Vasudevan was appointed as chairperson. Former United Nations official Thomas Varghese was made CEO of the foundation around the same time.
Krishnamachari's resignation marks another important moment in the biennale's history. The foundation now faces the task of finding new leadership while continuing to host one of India's most prominent contemporary art events.
