Masters of Madras: Prominent Modernists Of The Madras Art Movement

The Madras Art Movement first came into being in the 1960s in what is now called Chennai. After India gained its independence, the artists of the Madras Art movement wanted to shift from Western techniques in art and create a visual language of their own. This visual language was heavily inspired by the diverse traditions, aesthetics and culture of South India and rejected colonial influence. The Government School of Arts and Crafts was at the centre of the movement, producing some of the most prominent artists of South India, led by Devi Prasad Chowdhury and then K.C.S Paniker.

The artists that led the ideology of the Madras Art School worked in several disciplines including painting, weaving, sculpture and jewellery making. They looked to arts, crafts, mythology and history indigenous to South India such as the kolam, local religious iconography, dance costumes, music and literature.

Presented below are a few of the pivotal artists that not only helped further the movement but also achieved national and international recognition.

Lot no. 64: Mary and Christ (Ed: 3/4) by S. Dhanapal /138

Dhanapal was instrumental in establishing the Cholamandal Artists Village along with his mentor K.C.S Panicker. Learning sculpting at the Government College of Arts and Crafts from another mentor Devi Prasad Roy Chowdhury, he was inspired by temple iconography and folklore. His childhood spent observing temple artisans’ work played a significant role in his works to come. Dhanapal was also known for his sculptures of political icons such as Mahatma Gandhi, Periyar and Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan. The presented lot showcases his fascination for religious iconography through his depiction of infant Christ and Mary.

Lot no. 141: Untitled (Diptych) by K.M. Adimoolam / 105

A prominent abstract artist, K.M. Adimoolam was known for his colourful observations of nature and the emotion it evokes. A perfect example of this is the presented untitled diptych by the artist. Encouraged by fellow artist S. Dhanapal, Adimoolam too joined the Government College of Arts and Crafts and graduated with a diploma in Advanced Painting in 1966. He rose to fame with his ‘100 drawings on Mahatma Gandhi’ exhibition in the same year after which he exhibited widely throughout the country. His abstract works are indicative of his command over colour, light and depth.

Lot no. 34: Untitled by P.V. Janakiram

P.V. Janakiram is known for his work with sheet metal sculptures that are a nod to temple sculptures and carvings. His frontal figures with anthropomorphic elements showcase his traditional and indigenous influences and his own exceptional craftsmanship. The sculptures are almost always free-standing and have bold, linear work. He gained two diplomas, one for Painting and another for Sculpture, from the Government College of Arts and Crafts and was a major proponent of the Madras Art movement.

Lot no. 46: Untitled by Velu Viswanadhan

Velu Viswanadhan first began as a figurative artist and then evolved to experiment with more abstract and geometric forms. He studied under the tutelage of K.C.S Paniker and assisted in the formation of the Cholamandal Artist’s Village. He was inspired by the ritualistic diagrams of his birthplace in Kerala to execute works with vibrant colours and geometric patterns, such as the presented lot.

A key feature of the artist’s works is the use of repetitive patterns that create a sense of movement and rhythm in his works. With these smaller elements, he forms larger, harmonious works that are reflective of his preoccupation with spirituality and consciousness.

Lot no. 73: Untitled by A.P. Santhanaraj

One of the most influential artists to originate from the second wave of students to graduate from the Government College of Arts and Crafts after the departure of K.C.S Paniker and S. Dhanapal. He worked with figurative elements and introduced abstraction into his canvases, exploring in-depth the pictorial space. He was fascinated by lines and forms, and his works would involve placing bits of paper on the canvas and then moving them while also rotating the canvas. He can be identified with his distinct colour palette, interplay of light and dark and his recurring motifs such as the female form.

Lot no. 159: Untitled by S. Nandagopal

An eminent sculptor and painter, S. Nandagopal was the son of K.C.S Paniker and one of the last artists to further the Madras Art Movement. A regular face at the Cholamandal Artist’s Village, Nandagopal created sculptures that were inspired by the rich artistry in South Indian temples. Best known for his structured metal sculptures that weaved narratives, many of the artist’s works were rooted in Indian mythology. His subjects ranged from mythological characters such as Garuda to objects from daily life such as hooks, ladles and bells. The linearity and angular nature of the works were a direct result of being a physics graduate and his love for science.

The collection of around 200 lots in the upcoming Collector’s Choice auction traces different periods of Modern Indian Art with exceptional creations by revered names such as Nicholas Roerich, Rabindranath Tagore, Jamini Roy, S H Raza, Jehangir Sabavala, Akbar Padamsee, K H Ara, Arpana Caur, Sakti Burman, K K Hebbar, Bikash Bhattacharjee, Ganesh Pyne, Krishen Khanna, Jogen Chowdhury, and Manu Parekh, amongst several other eminent artists. The auction is scheduled for March 29-30, 2023. Visit our website to register for bidding and view the entire catalogue.

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