Madras Art Guild (MAG), the public art initiative announced the inauguration of its month long, second edition today. MAG 2020 encourages creative explorations around the theme of “sustainability”, through partnerships with leading institutions and notable individuals from the city’s artistic community. Collaborators this year include National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT, Chennai), Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation, Cholamandal Artists’ Village, Government College of Fine Arts (Kumbakonam), Govt. College of Fine Arts Chennai (Alumni), and the International Foundation for the Arts. VR Chennai is the venue partner and the soon-to-be launched Madras House is the presenting partner for MAG 2020. The festival is also supported by NEXA, Byjus and the Murugappa Group The festival was inaugurated this evening at VR Chennai, Anna Nagar by Mrs. Karin Stoll, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Chennai.
The launch commenced with the unveiling of the traditional VR Art Car, painted this year by the renowned artist and documentary filmmaker, Gita Hudson, followed by an exclusive viewing of works by senior artists including Benitha Perciyal, Seema Kohli, Parvathi Nair, Michael Wegener, Yuvan Bothysathuvar and Vijay Pichumani at the Fine Art Room, Madras House, and culminated with “Wearable Art” – a Fashion Show by NIFT at the Pandya Court. Following the launch, visitors will enjoy a dedicated month of artistic immersion during which VR Chennai, the venue partner will be a hub of artistic activity, with installations, exhibitions, an art bazaar, art cinema screenings, art workshops, a children’s art competition and several other exciting events.
Sumi Gupta, Curator of MAG, said, “I am thrilled to steer this fantastic project which has incredible collaborations with institutions and student artists in Chennai, creating a vibrant platform for large- scale installations & sculptures. MAG 2020 brings together a community of connoisseurs, art students, patrons as well as the people of Chennai in a celebration of the city’s art and culture.”
MAG is supported by Yuj Kutumb, The Yog Foundation, and is also part of VR Chennai’s Connecting Communities© initiative that aims to encourage civic pride, strengthen the local economy and enhance the city’s national and international image.
