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The Kochi diaries

Transcendence/Kochi, a photo exhibition by Biju Ibrahim showcases the unity in diversity that the city upholds.

No other coastal town in Kerala richly sports the unity in diversity theme like Fort Kochi that emblazons remnants of the Portuguese, Dutch and the British. Art photographer Biju Ibrahim’s exhibition, ‘Transcendence/Kochi’, at Fort Kochi, captures this and much more.

Biju Ibrahim

But no one complains about films that paint the place black as if it harbours rowdies and other lumpen stereotypes. Take a walk through Fort Kochi: “ You will see a masala culture, including Mugal, not just Malayalis,” says the director.

Fort Kochi has drawn in the culturally divergent lot from different parts of the world. They sing, pray and dance but have a mature respect for other religions. “That’s what made me to undertake this photo project, which goes on till July,” says Biju Ibrahim.

Biju was an associate director in Malayalam films, who later shifted to art photography.

Biju Ibrahim

“For the last 7 years I have been working on the subject local history. This is my first work on display. Transcendence Kochi is an exploration into impulses that keep diverse communities riveted to the place and yet be diverse.

Kochi owes its rise to Muziris, an ancient port and international trading hub. They came in waves from distant, diverse shores; some of them arrived as political refugees. Kochi opens avenues for intercommunity engagements and exchanges yet maintaining the distinct identity.

Photographs show Marwari Brahmins, Saraswata Abrhamanar, Pandithar, Kachi Meman, Tamil Chettiyar, Syrian Catholics, Malabari Muslims, Ezhava, Agarwal, Tamil Brahmins, Dakhini Muslims, tulu Brahmins, Chakliyar, kannadigars, Vaniyars, Thangals, Bora Muslims, Malabar Jews, Foreign Jews, Anglo-Indians and Kashmiris. There are 210 photographs on communities of Kochi- portraits, rituals, food habits that display a melting pot of cultures.

“I have taken photographs, both in colour and black and white. Finally I fixed on black and white for the exhibition. Colour photos will distract viewers into details of text, background and colour ambience. Black and white photography will create nostalgia and go straight to the subject,” says Biju Ibrahim.

Biju Ibrahim

People of different religions have migrated to Kochi and created a strong religious mix. They speak different tongues. The multicultural legacy takes many earthy manifestations such as tombs and Jain temples, which are now tourist attractions. Many travellers keep coming, soaking in the nostalgia of historic connections since the 14th century.

“When they step out of their homes they meet communities so different from theirs. But there is mutual respect. The people are at peace with themselves,” says Ibrahim.

“The people of Mattanchery helped me a lot. They allowed me to capture their life, culture, religious practice and homes without any hesitation. Farhad Anees was my go to man here,” says Ibrahim.

A stretch of 5 km has almost 44 different peoples; their rituals, food habits and beliefs coexist. A great role model for the world!

Mr K.V Thomas, MP, inaugurated the exhibition. Filmmaker Kamal, the chairman of Kerala Chalachithra Academy, presided. The exhibition takes place at Islamic Heritage and IHC Art gallery from 9am to 7pm with a holiday every Friday.

( Source : Deccan Chronicle. )
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