Chennai | Madras Artwork Weekend highlights work and sculptures by 60 South Indian artists

Artwork and areas that maintain artwork have for lengthy been synonymous with quietude, hushed whispers, and silent statement. Lalit Kala Akademi in Chennai on December 5, nonetheless, painted a contrasting image. The recently-renovated gallery was bursting on the seams with over 60 artists, their 200-plus items of labor, and enthusiastic patrons and well-wishers, on the opening of Highlight on the South, a showcase of rising and established artists from the Deccan. At this precursor present of the Madras Artwork Weekend scheduled between December 12 and 15, Chennai’s small but vital artwork group confirmed up in numbers. 

PS Raman, Advocate-Normal of Tamil Nadu and chief visitor on the occasion mentioned, “Chennai has been the cultural capital of India particularly for the performing arts. With initiatives like this, the scope for artwork goes to be increased.” Dharanidharan Selvam, nationwide spokespersom, DMK was additionally a part of the inauguration. 

With the intention of showcasing artists whose expertise would profit from better illustration, the present includes a numerous vary of artworks, together with work, sculptures, installations, pictures and extra. On one wall, in what looks like the quintessential picture of Chennai by Ashwin J Chandran, in opposition to the majestic Excessive Court docket held up in scaffoldings, is a cycle rickshaw in movement. In one other nuanced canvas by Rohini Mani is a girl mimicking the type of a  lotus, carrying a countenance so pensive that it starkly contrasts the soothing, deep pink of her sari. Yet one more imposing stone sculpture by Ezhilarasan Ezhumale is a gray construction, within the crevices of that are stacked books. Narayan Lakshman’s canvases invoke a tranquil depth, damaged solely by a stray boat, a meagre dot in giant swathes of blue and white.   

A view of the exhibition

Upasana Asrani, curator of the present says, “Our objective has at all times been to supply a platform for artists who deserve recognition however lack the means to shine. Artists from the South deserve illustration and a few of these displaying right here have by no means been represented by a gallery earlier than.”

Madras Artwork Weekend in affiliation with The Hindu Made from Chennai has organised Highlight on the South. The present is on view until December 10 from 11am to 7pm at Lalit Kala Akademi, Egmore, Chennai.