Introduction

In the mid-20th century, a group of exceptionally talented artists hailing from Kovilpatti, a quaint town in Tamil Nadu, played a pivotal role in shaping the Indian calendar art industry. Guided by the visionary C Kondiah Raju, these artists, many of whom had backgrounds in drama scene painting, acting, and music for drama troupes, embarked on an artistic journey that left an indelible mark on Indian visual culture. Their artistic ventures included setting up photo studios and crafting mesmerising artwork for major printing companies situated near Sivakasi. Their creations, which adorned calendars, magazines, book covers, cinema banners, invitations, labels, and greeting cards, not only gained immense popularity across India but also found appreciative audiences among Indian communities abroad.

The Upcoming Exhibition: “Kovilpatti: The Town That Papered India”

An upcoming exhibition titled “Kovilpatti: The Town That Papered India” will shed light on the artistic achievements of these calendar artists from the 1950s. The exhibition is thoughtfully curated by Dr. Stephen Inglis, who conducted extensive field research during the late 70s and early 80s. His research primarily focused on Tamil potters and priests, contributing to a broader understanding of the region’s cultural heritage.

The Legacy of Artist Kondiah Raju’s Notable Students

Among the notable students of the pioneering artist Kondiah Raju were TS Subbiah, TS Arunachalam, S Meenakshi Sundaram, Ramalingam, M Sreenivasan, and Shenbagaraman. Their journey from diverse backgrounds, including drama scene painting and music for drama troupes, into the world of drawing marked the genesis of the calendar art industry in India.

Chithiraalayam Art Gallery: Preserving Heritage

To showcase the remarkable works of these calendar artists from the 1950s, the family members of artist Ramalingam recently inaugurated the Chithiraalayam Art Gallery in Alwarthirunagar.

Honouring Stephen Inglis’ Research

Stephen Inglis’s pioneering research in the 70s, which included interviews with artists like Ramalingam and others, laid the foundation for a comprehensive understanding of the calendar art industry’s growth during the 50s and 60s. Despite their outstanding contributions to printed art, these artists remained relatively unknown to the wider public.

Educating the New Generation

The ongoing exhibition, “Kovilpatti: The Town That Papered India,” aims to provide valuable insights into the genesis of calendar art, the artists’ diverse backgrounds, their artistic journeys, and the remarkable growth of the calendar art industry in the mid-20th century. It seeks to bridge the gap between the past and present, introducing today’s generation to the once-prominent calendar art industry that played a vital role in Indian visual culture.

Exhibition Details

The exhibition will run until November 26, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of mid-20th century calendar art. It is hosted at the Varija Art Gallery within the DakshinaChitra Museum, providing a unique opportunity to explore the rich artistic heritage of Kovilpatti and its contributions to Indian visual culture.

Feature Image Courtesy: DT Next

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