Welcome to the vibrant world of art galleries in Chennai, where tradition and innovation converge to create an enriching cultural experience. Nestled within this bustling metropolis on the southeastern coast of India, art galleries serve as sanctuaries for artistic expression, showcasing a diverse array of works that span centuries and genres. From contemporary pieces that challenge societal norms to classical masterpieces steeped in history, Chennai’s galleries offer a dynamic tapestry of creativity that captivates visitors and locals alike. Immerse yourself in the city’s thriving art scene and discover the beauty, diversity, and richness of expression that defines every art gallery in Chennai.
DakshinaChitra
The name ‘DakshinaChitra’ translates to ‘picture of the south.’ Hence, it is easy to comprehend that the museum-cum-art gallery has a strong mission. The museum showcases the excellence of South Indian culture. The Living History Museum is located in Muttukadu, Chennai and was designed by Laurie Baker and Benny Kuriakose. DakshinaChitra was established in 1996 by the Madras Craft Foundation (MCF) under the leadership of art historian Deborah Thiagarajan. The museum boasts over 4,220 artefacts, 10,000 books & journals, and over a million pictures. One may expect to see myriad vernacular architecture of the Southern Indian states.
Gallery Veda
Gallery Veda was established in 2012 by Preeti Garg and Sanjay Tulsyan. Through its exhibitions and roster of artists, Gallery Veda aims to promote a deeper appreciation of the arts. The gallery began with an all-women show titled ‘Firm Ground Beneath Her.’ Since then, it has developed into a venue for several shows featuring prominent artists, such as Chandra Bhattacharjee, Seema Kohli, Arpana Caur, and Jogen Choudhury. Gallery Veda is spread across three venues in Chennai and has grown to be a significant part of the city’s arts landscape. The gallery participated in the 56th Venice Art Biennale in 2015 and the Kochi Muziris Biennale in 2014. In addition, Gallery Veda provides a wide range of services, such as commissioning artists to create artwork, selecting pieces of art for corporate gifting, and art consulting.
Apparao Galleries
One of the top art gallery in Chennai, Apparao Galleries has branches in Delhi and Chennai. With a background in fine art, curator-director Sharan Apparao is the creative force behind the success of Apparao Galleries. The gallery has established a solid reputation for representing a remarkable selection of modern and contemporary Indian artists since its founding in 1983. The gallery conducts an extensive and critically stimulating outreach program to promote international exchange and academic research by establishing a forum for workshops and lectures where scholars, artists, and art enthusiasts can engage with one another. Apparao Galleries encourages artists to push boundaries while treading on the aesthetics of various disciplines as it examines the thin line separating traditional and contemporary art.
Focus Art Gallery
Focus Art Gallery was founded in 2012 to showcase marvels of sculpting and fine arts. They also provide art restoration services. Focus Art Gallery honours Chennai’s rich cultural heritage by showcasing a wide range of works by artists from different generations, genres, and styles including Tanjore paintings, Pattachitra, and Kalamkari works. The galley gives voice to budding Indian and international artists through their creative contemporary art In addition to being listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2020, the gallery has been highlighted in The New York Times in 2017 and National Geographic for displaying traditional Tamil artwork from the Chola era. You can choose mementoes such as artwork prints and handcrafted items at Focus Art Gallery.
ArtWorld Sarala’s Art Centre
The oldest art gallery in South India, ArtWorld Sarala’s Art Centre, opened its doors in 1965. It has been in charge of creating the groundwork for the Indian Art Market for the last fifty years. The gallery is managed by its directors, Mr. Bishwajit Banerjee and Mrs. Sarala Banerjee. Artworld Sarala’s Art Center has proven its mettle in many nations, including Singapore, the Pao Galleries in Hong Kong, the Art Museum in Ginza Tokyo, the University Museum in Penang, Germany, Paris, Holland, Denmark, and the United States of America.
Forum Art Gallery
Another well-known art gallery in Chennai is Forum Art Gallery, which is situated in Adyar, Chennai. It was established in 1997 with an emphasis on contemporary art forms by cartoonist Biswajit Balasubramanian and artist Shalini Biswajit. The gallery features a diverse range of exhibits, such as paintings, sculptures, photographs, cartoon art, and ceramics. The various progressive art collectives, poetry readings, workshops, and art symposiums held at Forum Art Gallery distinguish it as a standout venue in the Indian art scene. Their art education program, ARTINK, is offered to adults and children on the gallery’s grounds. Over the years, the gallery has extended its support to children who are physically challenged and near death to provide art therapy as a means of healing and overall well-being.
The Faraway Tree Gallery
Since its founding in 2009, the Faraway Tree Gallery has been dedicated to promoting contemporary art, mostly created by Indian artists. In addition to original artwork, the gallery offers limited edition prints by prominent Indian artists, including Sakti Burman, Akkitham Narayanan, S H Raza, and Meite Delteil. The pieces are created in a variety of media, including paintings, watercolours, drawings, and more. The Faraway Tree Gallery assists customers with creating collections, caring for and restoring artwork, and selling off their collections.
Image Courtesy – Incredible India
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