Mapping Masters of Madras Modern: exploring South India’s modern art legacy

A collection of works by 25 prominent artists associated with the Madras Art Movement will be showcased at Mapping Masters of Madras Modern, an exhibition presented by Art Nouveau at Bikaner House, New Delhi, from November 29 to December 2. Curated by Kiran K. Mohan, the exhibition explores the evolution of South Indian modernism and its contribution to India’s modern art landscape.

The exhibition features paintings, drawings and sculptures by prominent artists, including K C S Paniker, S Dhanapal, K Adimoolam, Akkitham Narayanan, M Senathipathi, S G Vasudeva and K Ramanujam. It revisits the artistic legacy of the Madras School and the Cholamandal Artists’ Village, founded in 1966 by K C S Paniker and a group of artists near Chennai.

The exhibition highlights the diversity of artistic practices that shaped Madras Modernism, bringing together different generations, styles and cultural influences. It aims to introduce audiences to the region’s influential artists and their contribution to India’s modern art landscape.

According to curator Kiran K Mohan, the exhibition presents Madras Modernism not as a single artistic style but as a collection of diverse practices shaped by cultural traditions, institutional influences and international interactions.

Art Nouveau, directed by Ameeshi Tapuriah, has been showcasing paintings and sculptures by established and emerging artists for over 15 years, catering to art collectors and connoisseurs.

When: November 29–December 2; 11 AM–7 PM

Where: Main Gallery, Bikaner House, Pandara Road, New Delhi