The Kochi Biennale Foundation is gearing up to unveil an art pavilion at the Manorama Hortus Malayala Arts and Literature Festival. The pavilion, which will serve as a vibrant platform for native artists from Malabar, is being brought to Kozhikode by Meitra Hospital.

Faizal Kottikollon, chairman of Meitra Hospital and founder of KEF Holdings and Thula Wellness Clinic, along with his wife Shabana, points out that this initiative aims to serve as a stepping stone for artists in Malabar while helping them stay connected with their homeland. They also highlight the untapped potential of Malabar and their perceptions of the region.

What prompted the decision to bring the Kochi Biennale Art Pavilion to Hortus?
Our earth is home to countless talented artists. Whenever Shabana and I visit, we seek out these artists…musicians, painters and more. Although they have a place in Kozhikode to showcase their skills, many struggle to turn their art into a sustainable source of income.

Currently, artistes often feel compelled to migrate to Kochi or elsewhere for opportunities. With the growth of the Kochi Biennale event, Kochi has become a hub for artists. We believe it is essential to create a similar stage in the northern parts of Kerala. This will enable artists from Kozhikode to perform and sell their works locally, generating income without having to leave their native place.

Our dream is to develop the Art Pavilion project along the lines of the internationally acclaimed Nadakkav school project. When I first proposed a school of international standards, many were skeptical. Now this model has been replicated in various places including Kenya, Bengaluru and Srinagar.

What is the meaning of original art in the midst of the hustle and bustle of life?
True happiness comes from sharing the privileges we have in life with others. With this realization, we decided to stop chasing stocks to make money. Instead, we should focus on education and health – two key areas that are in crisis. While governments have limitations, individuals like us can contribute to meaningful change. Art and artists play a crucial role in alleviating human pressure and revitalizing lives.

What are your latest plans?
This vision inspired the launch of our new venture, Thula, in Chelari. What we thought about was how we could blend traditional medicine with modern medical practices. Thula is not designed as a profit-driven enterprise. It represents the first international initiative of its kind.

Hortus Malabaricus is your motivation?
Although I had heard of the book Hortus Malabaricus, I did not fully understand its significance until recently. We have so much information in our hands which is shared by legends like Itty Achuthan. Our approach focuses on treating disease with modern medicine while restoring the body’s natural balance through traditional methods.

How will this present more opportunities for the local community?
Thula showcases a vast array of local talent including handicraft artists, weavers and Kalaripayattu experts from Kozhikode. This initiative can be seen as an effort to create more opportunities for artists in the region.