Cholamandal Artist’s Village

Nestled along the coastal stretch of Injambakkam, near Chennai, the Cholamandal Artists' Village is a hub of modern Indian art. Established in 1966 by visionary artist KCS Paniker, this village was designed to create a space where artists could live and work communally while sustaining themselves through their craft. It emerged from the Madras Art Movement of the 1960s, which aimed to cultivate a unique artistic identity for South India. The village takes its name from the Chola dynasty (9th-13th century CE), known for its rich cultural patronage. Alongside Paniker, other key contributors to this thriving artistic community include V. Viswanathan, P. Gopinath, P.S. Nandan, K.S. Gopal, and many more.

This village came into existence following the Madras Art Movement of the late 1950s, which emphasized innovation and the creation of a distinct Indian modernist art style. K.C.S Paniker, a key figure in this movement, envisioned a community where artists could freely explore new ideas and techniques, leading to the establishment of the community. Many of the artists involved were from the same institution— the Madras Government College of Arts and Crafts— and began working together. They were the first in India to produce batik fabric, and the sales from this craft helped Paniker form the Artists Handicrafts Association in 1963. This association provided the financial support that allowed these artists to focus on their creative pursuits. Over time, this collective became known as the Cholamandal Artists' Village, named after the Chola dynasty, which had a strong legacy of supporting the arts and ruling the region in Madras.

He is a prominent painter and teacher, was a key figure in the Madras Art Movement, and played a vital role in founding the Progressive Painter's Association. Renowned for his metaphysical and abstract art, Paniker drew inspiration from regional aesthetics and traditional Indian pictorial styles, deviating from the prevailing Western art modes. His work helped establish an ethnically and culturally rooted form of modernism within the broader postcolonial modernist landscape. Paniker's initiative paved the way for artists to thrive through art sales and exhibitions. As mentioned earlier he founded the Cholamandal Artists' Village, which became the largest artist community in India. Paniker's work has been showcased in prestigious institutions, including the Delhi Art Gallery, and internationally at venues like the Institut Valencià d’Art Modern and Casa Asia in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture in Valencia, Spain.

The village is spread across 10 acres of land in Injambakkam, primarily managed by artists. Simple thatched-roof cottages serve as homes for the artists, fostering a peaceful and creative environment. At the village entrance, a large banyan tree stands as a landmark and a serene gathering space. Sculptures are scattered across the open areas, enhancing the artistic atmosphere. Over the years, the village has gained international fame through cultural exchanges and participation in exhibitions, with a sculpture park showcasing works by global artists. The Golden Oriole, a workshop and residency space, features two commercial galleries, Indigo and Laburnum, contributing to its vibrant artistic community.

The museum dedicated to the Madras Art Movement stands as a testament to the rich history and evolution of contemporary Indian art. Established in 1966 in the village, it officially opened its doors to the public in 2009. The museum boasts an impressive collection of artworks by renowned artists such as KCS Paniker and S. Rajam, alongside contemporary figures like Akkitham Narayanan, Vidya Shankar Sthapathy, and Anila Jacob. Visitors can explore a diverse array of paintings, sculptures, and sketches that reflect the dynamic progress of the Madras Art Movement. Additionally, the museum functions as a center for education and research, inspiring future generations with its commitment to preserving and promoting art.

For over 30 years, this village served as a vibrant center for creativity, regularly hosting exhibitions and promoting its unique artistic culture through books, websites, brochures, calendars, and postcards. Originally established as a community for artists to live and work, it has gradually transformed into a popular tourist destination, blending the world of art with commerce. Though many of the original residents have since moved or passed away, the community's artistic legacy continues through current members like P. Gopinath, A. Selvaraj, D. Venkatachalapathy, Rajasekharan Nair, and Richard Jesudoss, who carry forward Cholamandal’s rich heritage. In 2014, the village paid tribute to the Progressive Painters’ Association and its founder, K.C.S. Paniker, by hosting the Contemporary Miniatures exhibition, showcasing small-format artworks from artists across India. It also gained international recognition, displaying its work at prestigious events like the Venice Biennale, the Paris Biennale, and the Commonwealth Art Festival in London.

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By Shrushti Patel