“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.
On January 3, 2026, Krishnamachari stepped down following a sexual harassment complaint filed by a former employee, who alleged that the incident occurred on December 28, 2025. The complaint was lodged with the Internal Complaints Committee under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
In his resignation, Krishnamachari cited family reasons, but he has since refuted the allegations, describing them as “misleading and unsubstantiated and taken out of context.” His response indicates a firm intention to contest the claims legally.
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 against the prominent figure in the Indian art scene.
V. Venu further elaborated on the situation, noting, “A complaint was received with the Internal Complaints Committee under the PoSH Act… This was in December.” The Kochi Biennale Foundation has initiated its internal procedures to address the complaint.
Bose Krishnamachari, a co-founder of the Kochi Muziris Biennale, has been a significant figure in the art community, serving as co-curator of its inaugural edition in 2012. His contributions to the cultural landscape of Kochi have been widely recognized.
Despite the turmoil, Krishnamachari has been appointed as the Cultural Curator of Kochi following his resignation, indicating that his influence in the art world remains substantial.
As the sixth edition of the Biennale opened on December 12, 2025, the foundation now faces the challenge of navigating these serious allegations while maintaining its artistic integrity.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any police involvement in the case, as there has been no police complaint related to the incident at the time of Krishnamachari’s resignation.
The unfolding situation has sparked discussions about accountability and the treatment of such allegations within the arts community, and further developments are expected as the Internal Complaints Committee continues its investigation.
