FORT KOCHI - PICTURES FROM THE PERENNIAL PORT TOWN

This was my first visit to see the biennale. Firstly, I was impressed with the new solar-powered International Airport at Kochi, it was an engineering and architectural achievement. The next thing you see it that outside the airport all the men who were waiting were mostly drivers in crisp white shirts and 'mundus'. They spoke impeccable english in a South-Indian accent, while taking us to our homestay in Fort Kochi - the heritage part of town and the heart of the biennale.

Once we were on the road, you can't help but notice an almost wild, rustic greenery that descends onto every part of Kochi. While getting into Fort Kochi, we went through small lanes, the by-lanes are even narrower preventing too many vehicles from getting in. The warehouses are close to each other and are all wooden, with rickety stairs, large windows and overwhelming doors - that lead to more doors. Every venue of the biennale that had art, had old rusty hinges, peeling paint, moss covered tiles and musty walls; they owe this grunge look to the humid, salty sea breeze blowing on Kochi's backwaters.

BEIJING - A COLLECTION OF THE OLD AND NEW

I was invited to be a Graphic Facilitator for a project with Maersk (China) - one of the worlds largest shipping corporations. They had an event and workshop which comprised of members from most teams across South East Asia - they came coming to brainstorm on different ideas. I had to play the role of the person who can give this idea a form, identify a story around it and make the data look meaningful. Also since it was too many numbers/data a happier, brighter hand-drawn presentation was preferable. After the work was completed. We headed to Beijing! via the popular overnight sleeper trains. Beijing, means "Northern Capital". It is the sprawling, large, and most populated city of China. While walking through the streets you will note different styles of architecture. - The traditional architecture of Imperial China (Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City etc.) And then some poorly designed buildings referred to as the "Sino-Sov" style, with boxy structures. The city is also has more modern architecture in certain newly developed districts. I found Beijing to be more cultural and touristy with some old, rich architecture in bold beautiful colors like red and yellow (but with hardly any conservation being done to preserve it). A revolutionary art scene at their art district brought in themes of communism, graffiti, along with world art styles visible in art galleries and delicate products designed in clay and porcelain. It is an old city with ancient houses, hostels for travelers, malls and high streets with every possible brand. It is a city of contradictions, like most capitals across the world.

QIBAO - WANDERING AROUND A WATER TOWN

I was invited to be a Graphic Facilitator for a project with Maersk (China) - one of the worlds largest shipping corporations. They had an event and workshop which comprised of members from most teams across South East Asia - they came coming to brainstorm on different ideas. I had to play the role of the person who can give this idea a form, identify a story around it and make the data look meaningful. Also since it was too many numbers/data a happier, brighter hand-drawn presentation was preferable. After the project was completed and while we were in Shanghai - we visited Qibao It is an ancient water town that was established during the Song dynasty; it is a must-see place, which is easily accessible from Shanghai via the metro line. Qibao in Chinese means ‘seven treasures'. There are different myths behind this name - One theory states the name was due to the steady financial growth of the town, another one talks about seven mysteriously appearing treasures - Buddha, bell, lotus scriptures, sacred trees, a gold chicken, a jade axe and jade chopsticks. It is said that originally there were eight treasures, but apparently one was stolen. So, the town was named as Seven Treasures! While walking through the streets I felt that Quibao is like a small quaint town, almost like an organic niche within (or rather close to...) a modern urban bustling Shanghai. Qibao has a canal running through it - dotted with some old architecture and buildings which house numerous shops, galleries and street food cafes. There are winding lanes and small alleys with artists selling local crafts and handmade wares. Tiny bridges and hidden temples too, if you venture for a long walk through it. Some pockets are almost 'chawl' system like. A classic case of where traditionally richer architecture is lined up next to drab, dull matchbox houses.