Returning for its third edition, Madras Art Weekend (MAW) has once again proven to be a stalwart in the cultural calendar of Chennai. Preceded, from 12–15 December 2024, MAW 2024 curated an engaging blend of art, design and culture that intertwined the cultural fabric of South India with contemporary creativity.
The theme of this year on the conservation of culture was especially powerful throughout the event. The Jamakaalam-inspired branding set the stage for a massive festival deeply linked with the region’s artistic traditions. The naming reflected MAW’s mission to celebrate and maintain cultural heritage, and the branding itself was planned with intelligence rather than aesthetics alone.
MAW 2024 kicked off with “Threaded Visions,” a textile art show that was an eloquent tribute to South India’s historical textile heritage. Curated in partnership with Milaaya Art Gallery, Shalini Passi in association with Mehta & Sons and Anjali Bhimrajka Fine Jewels, the exhibition featured a stunning collection of creatives. The event was highlighted by the inauguration by His Excellency Ms. Halima Holland British High Commissioner to Chennai, further emphasizing the global nature of the event.
With participation from distinguished halls like Dhoomimal Art Gallery, Art Alive Gallery, Archer Art Gallery, and Gallery Sumukha, exhibition comprised of a diverse and high-caliber exhibition that attracted both collectors and connoisseurs.
Panel discussions were a hallmark of MAW 2024, exploring thought-provoking themes. “Collectorship and Connoisseurship,” with moderator Ranvir Shah, saw industry veterans Shalini Passi and Saloni Doshi discuss the changing roles of collectors in the evolving art ecosystem. In turn, “Metaphors and Magical Realms,” moderated by Jaiveer Johal, included well-known artists like Rekha Rodwittiya and Jayasri Burman, exploring their works’ narrative aspects.
Another highlight: “A Conversation on Conservation,” in which Mayank Bhutra and Jayesh Sachdev talked about the struggle for cultural preservation in a quickly modernizing world. All of these dialogues were not only enriching the intellectual fabric of the event but also acted as a pedagogical tool to encourage meaningful collaborations and reflections.
One of the most powerful exhibitions was Sujata Setia’s “A Thousand Cuts,” a haunting compendium of portraits and narratives that opened a window on the destructive cycles of domestic abuse within the South Asian community. Setia’s work was notable for its ability to evoke deep empathy and deep conversations that address social issues, and the power of art to tackle them.
The fashion show, which showcased Akaaro’s creations layered with jewellery from Mehta & Sons and Anjali Bhimrajka, beautifully bridged traditional crafting methods with contemporary fashion. It included a personal touch with Chennai’s socialites and businesswomen as models, making it a weekend highlight.
Another memorable point was the premiere of StoneX’s film, Mastery, which commemorated the legacy of masters in the seven fine arts. A stunning performance and a panel discussion with notable personalities, including Meenakshi Sreenivasan and Sandeep Narayan were part of the screening.
Also engaging were MAW 2024’s myriad of events, including workshops, collector home walkthroughs, and artist interactions. The art, design and fashion showcase, featuring brands such as Erode Clothing, showcasing its traditional Jamakaalam prints, highlighted the event’s mission to promote indigenous craftsmanship.
MAW 2024 was powered by its elite sponsors which included Mehta & Sons, Lexus Chennai and Park Hyatt Chennai. Their backing meant that the event could reach new heights while staying true to its ethos of quality and inclusivity.
Madras Art Weekend 2024 reaffirmed Chennai’s status as an eternal cultural hub. This beautiful union between old and new offered a window into the richness of South Indian culture while also giving a vibrancy to the contemporary art form. Through its thoughtful selection of MAW 2024’s exhibitions, engaging programs and significant impact, the curators have raised the bar for the event and reaffirmed its must-attend status for art lovers and citizens alike.
Feature Image Courtesy: Longform
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