Watch | Inside the Cholamandal Artists Village
For more than half a century, Cholamandal Artists’ Village in Chennai has been a unique commune. The Cholamandal Artists’ Village is the cradle of the iconic Madras Art Movement, from the 1950s to ‘80s.
The Village is a 10-acre stretch by the sea that nurtured a vibrant creative community. It is home to a mighty banyan tree, as old as the commune itself.
Cholamandal began in 1966 with over 30 resident artists. While, some of the pioneers still have homes here, with land prices in the areas rising rapidly, many have sold their property or moved out.
Today, 40 residences are in this settlement. While the settlement undergoes changes, here’s a look into the lives of some of the iconic artists who still work there.
Reporting: Gowri S.
Script: Abhinaya Sriram
Videos and photos: Akhila Easwaran
Production: Shibu Narayan
Voiceover: Sharmada Venkatasubramanian