Bose Krishnamachari, artist and co-founder of the Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF), has abruptly resigned, citing pressing family reasons. His departure comes during the 6th edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, titled “For the Time Being,” which opened December 12, 2025, and runs through March 31, featuring 66 artists from over 20 countries. The biennial has faced multiple controversies since its 2012 debut, including financial mismanagement, sexual harassment allegations, and a recent closure in January 2026 due to religious protests over a painting by Tom Vattakuzhy referencing the Last Supper.
Krishnamachari’s resignation is significant because he was a founding force behind India’s first and largest international contemporary art biennial, which has been a landmark for South Asian art. His exit creates a leadership vacuum at a critical moment, as the foundation must now find a new president to guide the institution through ongoing challenges and ensure the biennial’s future stability and reputation.