Art Mumbai

MASTERPIECES FROM THE MADRAS SCHOOL OF ART The years following Independence marked a resurgence of the human form in the artworks produced in Madras, rooted in the vibrant traditions of the School of Arts and Crafts. Under the guidance of D.P. Roy Chowdhury, the early decades celebrated the human form through naturalistic depictions in watercolor and sculpture. In the post-Independence era, Madras artists began searching for a unique identity amidst growing global and national exchanges of ideas. These artists embraced a modernist aesthetic, articulating Indian spirituality through a contemporary lens as they sought to create art that was, in their words, “Indian in spirit and worldwide contemporary.” In Masterpieces from the Madras School of Art, we trace the evolution of this movement—from the naturalistic forms of the early Madras masters to the bold, expressive lines inspired by indigenous artistic sources such as kolams, yantras, folk paintings, and temple sculpture, which characterize today’s contemporary artists who have ventured into abstraction. Generations of Madras-trained artists, each driven by a commitment to create something distinct, whether in art or craft, have made a lasting impact on both Indian and global art. This exhibition celebrates the legacy and continuing influence of the Madras School, showcasing works that embody the unique synthesis of tradition and modernity that has defined this artistic lineage.