Art Exhibition Traces City's Evolution At Inko Centre In Raja Annamalaipuram

An art exhibition tracing the city's transition from the Madras Presidency to modern-day Chennai is currently on view at Inko Centre on Adyar Club Gate Road in Raja Annamalaipuram. Titled "Legacies: Memories, Culture, Traditions – Madras to Chennai," the showcase explores the urban landscape, textile traditions, architecture, and everyday life through works by multiple contemporary artists. Curated by Ashrafi Bhagat, the exhibition examines how the city has evolved while retaining its historical identity.

Curator Ashrafi Bhagat noted that the showcase reflects 387 years of civic transformation. "This historical shift serves as the foundation for exploring the 'legacies' of the city. It also highlights how the rich culture and traditions of Madras (such as its art, textiles, and daily habits) continue but have transformed or modernised in today’s Chennai," Bhagat said.

Among the featured works is artist Sathya N Prabhu’s three-painting series, "Checks and Tumblers: Madras to Chennai." The paintings document the city’s transition through shifts in the drape, patterns, and styling of the sari, depicting women in Madras Checks alongside traditional filter coffee davara sets. Rendered in the Nayaka mural style originating between the 16th and 18th centuries in Madurai, Thanjavur, and Gingee, the pieces focus on women in moments of leisure. Sathya noted that the paintings were intended to show women taking time out for themselves rather than perpetually working.

Artist Dilip Kumar Kesavan contributed abstract works executed on plywood, featuring conch shells and lungis drawn from seaside and fishing communities. Kesavan observed that while lungis are seen less frequently today, they remain a presence along the beach and evoke memories of earlier times. Other participating artists presenting memories through paintings and sculptures include Kirubakaran N, Preethi Umapathy, Rajesh RV, and VR Raviram.

Artist Karthikeyan Pitchaimallian, who originates from a weaving community in Aruppukottai, contributed works depicting the evolving cityscape and Madras Checks, including paintings of kites. His reflective glass installation, titled "We are Chennai," portrays the urban skyscape and allows viewers to see their own reflections integrated into the city scenery.

Artist Ramesh presented zinc-plate works capturing fragmented scenes observed from railway platforms, public spaces, waterways, and overlapping older and modern structures. Ramesh described his travels across the city as a method of examining the relationship between traditional identity and rapid urban development.

The exhibition is open to the public at Inko Centre in Raja Annamalaipuram until September 22. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with free admission.