Three malayalees of Indian art : Riyas Komu, Bose Krishnamachari and Johny ML

If we were to write a history of Indian contemporary art, we would have to dedicate a significant portion of it to three influential Malayalee artists: Riyas Komu, Bose Krishnamachaari, and Johny M L. These artists not only made substantial contributions to the art world, but they also became known for their personal, professional, and ideological rivalries. They are well-known figures in the Indian art scene.

In the nineties and early 2000s, Bose Krishnamachaari, with his flamboyant personality, hard work, and excellent networking skills, established himself as a prominent and influential figure in Bombay's art and business circles. During this period, a new generation of contemporary Indian artists emerged, including Riyas Komu, a junior of Bose in college. Both benefited from the art boom between 2005 and 2008, making their mark in the Indian art market through their paintings and connections. While Riyas focused on painting and installation art, Bose became known as a curator and entrepreneur, organizing various art shows, including those featuring Malayalee and female artists, and founding Gallery BMB in Bombay. They were omnipresent in major art shows and awards nationwide at that time.

However, in 2008, the art market suffered a downturn, and under the encouragement of the then Cultural Minister MA Baby, Bose and Riyas decided to return to Kochi and establish a Biennale to turn Kochi into an international art centre. Initially, they faced resistance from many Kerala artists due to their critical remarks about established Kerala artists and practices and the perceived exclusion of local artists from the Biennale activities. They were viewed as outsiders and promoters of the more commercially oriented Bombay art market, which clashed with the romantic approach of many Kerala artists. Additionally, resistance came from those opposed to the "Muziris historical project," which supported the Kochi Biennale, and the "Anti Baby lobby" in left-wing politics in Kerala.

A significant opponent of the Biennale was Johny M L, a prolific writer, curator, journalist, art historian, and editor from Kerala. Johny's opposition to the Biennale was rooted in its corporate and market-driven nature of art practice, and he garnered substantial support from the art community, who shared his ideological concerns. Despite these challenges, the Biennale proved to be a huge success, raising the stature of all three Malayalee artists.

The rivalry between the two artists groups eventually led to the launch of UAF, India's first artist-led art fair curated by Johny ML. However, the fair failed due to the failure of the fair's owner to fulfil promises made to the artists. Meanwhile, the Kochi Biennale grew in influence, attracting major artists and becoming a significant force in the art world. Riyas expanded his reach to Delhi by collaborating with the Delhi club, an unusual combination of MSU Baroda and Mumbai.