From the bustling bazaar streets and familiar neighbourhoods to personal memories and shared histories, Landscape of Belonging celebrates the many ways people see and connect with Chennai. Presented by Madras Art Weekend at Lalit Kala Akademi in collaboration with The Hindu’sMade of Chennai initiative, the exhibition puts a spotlight on the city’s rich cultural heritage and bustling multicultural community. 

Open to the public from June 27 to June 30, the exhibition begins with a preview on June 26 from 6pm onwards. Serving as a prelude to the annual Madras Day and Madras Month celebrations, the exhibition brings together a dynamic mix of emerging and established contemporary artists. 

The exhibition will mark the artistic debut of several well-known personalities. Acclaimed actor and filmmaker Suhasini Maniratnam will present her work as a digital artist for the first time, while veteran actor, filmmaker and artist Sivakumar will showcase his artworks. Filmmaker and screenwriter Pankaj Parashar will be exhibiting a selection of his digital creations, alongside works by senior artist G Raman, adding further depth and diversity to the exhibition’s lineup.

On view will also be senior artist T Athiveerapandian’s works, who passed away last year, offering audiences an opportunity to engage with his artistic legacy alongside the contributions of other established and emerging artists.  

The exhibition explores themes of identity, heritage and belonging, reflecting on the idea of ‘home’ through the lens of Chennai’s cultural landscape. “We received more than 500 submissions and had to narrow them down to just over 100 artists. We’re thrilled that the exhibition brings together both emerging and established voices, offering visitors an opportunity to experience a diverse range of mediums, from painting, photography and mixed media to ceramics, sculpture and digital art,” says Upasana Asrani, founder, Madras Art Weekend.

“Curatorially, it’s incredibly exciting for us to be able to bring together such diverse art forms under one roof and create a space where audiences can experience this rich range of artistic expression,” adds Upasana.

Landscape of Belonging, will be on view from June 27 to 30 at Lalit Kala Akademi. Entry is free