“Mr. Krishnamachari’s resignation was connected with the complaint and the KBF’s Internal Committee is taking action on the complaint,” stated V. Venu, confirming the circumstances surrounding Bose Krishnamachari’s recent resignation from the Kochi Biennale Foundation.
The resignation follows a sexual harassment complaint filed by a woman who had worked under him. The alleged incident occurred on December 28, 2025, and the complaint was formally received on January 3, 2026, by the Internal Complaints Committee under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
In response to the allegations, Bose Krishnamachari remarked, “The allegations were misleading and unsubstantiated and taken out of context.” He has initiated legal action to refute the claims made against him.
The unnamed complainant expressed her distress, stating, “She felt trapped and violated and had at no point given her consent to physical contact or remarks or advances.” This statement underscores the serious nature of the allegations that have surfaced.
V. Venu also noted that a complaint was received with the Internal Complaints Committee under the PoSH Act, indicating that the organization is taking the matter seriously. However, it is important to note that there was no police complaint related to the incident at the time of Krishnamachari’s resignation.
Bose Krishnamachari, a co-founder of the Kochi Muziris Biennale, has played a significant role in the cultural landscape of India, having served as co-curator of its inaugural edition in 2012. His contributions to the arts have been widely recognized, making this incident particularly impactful.
Following his resignation, Krishnamachari was appointed as the Cultural Curator of Kochi, a role that may allow him to continue influencing the local art scene despite the controversy.
The sixth edition of the Biennale opened on December 12, 2025, and will conclude on January 31, 2026. As the art community watches closely, the implications of this resignation and the ongoing investigation will likely shape the future of the Kochi Biennale Foundation.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further actions that may be taken by the Internal Complaints Committee or the Kochi Biennale Foundation in light of these events.
