A Multidisciplinary Debut at the Kochi-Muziris Biennale
Kochi, Kerala, India | 8 February – 31 March 2026: NorBlack NorWhite’s AMMA Studios makes its Kochi-Muziris Biennale debut with Church of Palm, a multidisciplinary installation presented at Monsoon Culture. The project marks a significant artistic evolution for the New Delhi-based fashion and cultural platform, known for blending traditional Indian textiles with contemporary expression.
From Textile Practice to Spatial Installation
Founded by Amrit Kumar and Mriga Kapadiya, NorBlack NorWhite grew from longstanding collaborations with artisan communities working in endangered Indian crafts. Through AMMA Studios, the duo expands their textile-led philosophy into installation, tapestry, spatial design, and immersive environments. Their practice interweaves image, movement, and sound, extending beyond fashion into experiential art.
Honouring Kerala’s Everyday Coconut Tree
For their Biennale presentation, AMMA Studios introduces Church of Palm, a tribute to Kerala’s everyday yet sacred coconut tree. The installation reimagines the ordinary, transforming familiar elements into contemplative forms. By deconstructing elements of worship, the work creates a temporary spiritual space dedicated to gratitude and reverence for the palm and the shared experience of witnessing a sunset.
Repetition, Chairs and the Poetry of the Ordinary
The installation places emphasis on repetition — rows of chairs become sculptural landscapes of symmetry and pattern. What begins as a utilitarian object designed for rest evolves into a monumental motif and silent witness within a sacred environment. Through this transformation, the work elevates everyday materials into symbols of beauty, gratitude, and possibility.
Textiles, Sound and Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
Church of Palm integrates hand-dyed and woven textiles, fishing nets, drapery, and immersive soundscapes. The project features collaborations across disciplines, including sound design by Colombian-Canadian musician Lido Pimienta, a 360-degree reflective sound speaker by Mumbai-based artist Akash Das, and metal and stone sculpture by Jaipur-based artist Kichu Dandiya.
A Long-Evolving Artistic Practice
Reflecting on the debut, Mriga Kapadiya noted that the duo has quietly developed their art practice over many years, and the Biennale provided a timely opportunity to translate over 15 years of learning with NorBlack NorWhite into a dedicated multidisciplinary studio format.
Event at a Glance
| Aspects | Details |
|---|---|
| Installation Title | Church of Palm |
| Presented By | AMMA Studios (NorBlack NorWhite) |
| Event | Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2026 |
| Dates | 8 February – 31 March 2026 |
| Location | Monsoon Culture, Kochi, Kerala, India |
| Collaborators | Lido Pimienta; Akash Das; Kichu Dandiya |
Takeaway
With Church of Palm, AMMA Studios reframes heritage not as static memory but as lived, sensory experience. As the installation remains on view from 8 February to 31 March 2026, it positions the Kochi-Muziris Biennale as a space where textile, architecture, sound, and spirituality converge — affirming culture as an evolving and participatory force.
