An excerpt from ‘The Big Book of Indian Art: An Illustrated History of Indian Art from Its Origins to the Present Day’, by Bina Sarkar Ellias.
In 1944, the Progressive Painters’ Association in Madras was founded by artist KCS Paniker who ensured that skilled as well as young postgraduate artists would be included. It became a space for nurturing modern art where the young learned from seniors, and exchanged ideas and ideals. M Senathipathi is the oldest living member, and the current president of the Cholamandal Artists’ Village, which merged with the Progressive Painters’ Association.
Gradually, the Madras Art Movement blossomed with good energy and dedication amongst its members which lured young generations into their fold. Key artists from the initial association are M Senathipati, MV Devan, KV Haridasan, J Sultan Ali, Velu Viswanadhan, L Munuswamy (of whom little is known), SG Vasudev, and P Gopinath.
In 1966, with the founding of the Cholamandal Artists’ Village by Paniker and a few other artists, the largest artists’ commune in India was seeded outside the erstwhile Madras. It evolved into a self-sufficient space where artists crafted handicrafts for a living while creating their art. By the 1970s, the village grew into one of the most significant places for international artists to convene in India.
Today, the village is vibrant with art galleries, museums, and an open-air space for dance and theatre performances.
