Painted Passion

Bose Krishnamachari's journey from Kerala to global art acclaim highlights his creative charisma in redefining India's art landscape

- VARUNI MOHAN

As a globally influential figure in the art world, Bose Krishnamachari has chartered a unique path for himself. Artist and curator, Kochi Biennale Foundation President and Director of Kochi-Muziris Biennale are some of the monikers that describe him but what sets him apart is his personal and creative charisma, rooted in cultural dialogue. Born in the serene village of Magattukara, Kerala, Bose's journey from his roots to international acclaim is nothing short of inspiring. His fascination with art began early, in the local pop art he encountered in this bucolic setting. "Political slogans, hand-painted wall spaces and the illustrations in the subculture magazines," Bose recalls as his initial artistic muses. Growing up in a family of Viswakarma craftsmen, creativity was in his DNA and he speaks of his Malayali heritage with pride saying, "Creativity, draftsmanship and craftsmanship was imbibed from my grandparents, parents and relatives. My father was an incredible designer, not just another artisan with a carpenter's genes. Lea