Kochi: “Ponnupole,” an art exhibition curated under the leadership of Shefeena Yousufali, daughter of LuLu Group founder M.A. Yusuff Ali and founder of the Abu Dhabi based Risk Art Foundation, was inaugurated at Fort Kochi as part of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale. The exhibition, themed on the origin of gold and its influence in the contemporary world, is being held at the K.M. Building on Calavathy Road, Fort Kochi. The inauguration was led by UAE Embassy representative Majid M. Nukhailawi.
The event was attended by LuLu Group Chairman M.A. Yusuff Ali, Kerala Industries Minister P. Rajeeve, MP Hibi Eden, Kochi Biennale Foundation Chairman Dr. V. Venu, Biennale President Bose Krishnamachari, LuLu Financial Holdings Managing Director Adeeb Ahamed, and Shefeena Yousufali.
Speaking at the occasion, M.A. Yusuff Ali said the Ponnupole exhibition symbolises the long-standing commercial and industrial ties between India and the Arab world. He noted that the exhibition is particularly notable for featuring several Emirati artists and said more artistic presentations will be staged in the coming days. “My business grew and is headquartered in the UAE. An exhibition that narrates the shared story of both countries holds great significance,” he added, highlighting the historic India-Arab relationship dating back to prehistoric times.
The gold-themed exhibition showcases works by over twenty artists from India and abroad and has been curated by noted artist and curator Murtaza Vali. Participating artists hail from India, the UAE, the United States, and Germany.