The Hindu Made of Chennai organises tour of artists’ village

As part of the World Heritage Week celebrations, The Hindu Made of Chennai organised a heritage tour at the Cholamandal Artists’ Village on Sunday.

A total of 51 participants attended the event, spending the day learning about how the landmark was built by K.C.S. Paniker, the former principal of the Madras School of Arts (now Government College of Fine Arts) and his students, as well as the facilities available on the campus.

Resident artists — P.S. Nandhan, P. Gopinath, A. Selvaraj, G. Latha and Jacob Jebaraj — spoke about the various works created at the centre. “We are now a model to show how artists can come together like this. Our establishment is approaching its 60^th year,” said Mr. Gopinath, president of Artists’ Handicraft Association.

Participants then took part in a guided gallery walk through the K.C.S. Paniker Museum of the Madras Art Movement, which houses 83 artworks by 55 artists.

“Our artforms, which use textile, metal, and other mediums, are a great wealth. Through art, we can promote rural development projects, women’s empowerment, and social transformation across Tamil Nadu,” Mr. Jebaraj said.

The group also visited the international sculpture park, open air theatre, and the Golden Oriole Cultural Centre within the artists’ village.

Ms. Latha, who presented an overview of the centre, said the heritage tour helped more first-time visitors engage with art.

A participant at the event, Meera, an advocate, said the tour had given her new perspectives on art and life.

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