Stories of life, space, and identity at Lalit Kala Academi

Mapping memory is more than a visual showcase – it is a journey through the inner landscapes of its artists. Currently on at Lalit Kala Akademi, in collaboration with The Hindu’s Made of Chennai, Each Piece Traces Connections to Spaces that have shaped the maker ‘identifies and experiences. These vivid stories are told in oil, watercolour, acrylic, and sculpture.

“A lot of the artists who have shown their works do not have representation, and for us, it is important that they get their voice and that their creative expressions are seen. Person and how they associate with the spaces that have been an integral part of their life, “Says upasana asrani, one of the cuators of mapping memory.

The memory of rest by Balaramana | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

For artist Balaramana from Koyambedu, his works are inspired by his life as a load worker. He says, “Before I Joined The Government College of Fine Arts in Chennai, I used to work with my father, Helping Him Load and Transport Goods. Men always Single Day… Thos Experiences Stayed With Me Deeeply. So when I Started Learning Art, I Felt A Strong Urge to Turn That Part of My Life INTO SOMETHINGFUL

His Piece, the moment of rest, is inspired by a photo that he took during a photo walk in the local market. “I Saw a Worker Sitting Casually on a Garlic Sack, Sipping Tea. There was something peaceful and honest in that Scene, and it styed with me. People I come from, to the backbone of our markets, and to the everyday lives that are full of untold stories, ”Says Balarama.

Upasana Asrani | Photo Credit: Ragu R

For the past few years, the exhibition has been focrated on south India, Titled Spotlight on the South, Drawing Artists with a Connection to this part of the Country. This year, for the first time, an open call was issued. “We had almost 250 to 300 entries from all over the world, from which we shortlisted 70 artists for this exhibition,” Says upasana.

Sakhyam by punit kadwane | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Artist punit kadwane from ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, uses Acrylic and Layred Textures – That Resmble Fine Sand – to create a tactil Connection to the Earthly Essence of Vrindavan and the Embedded in Embedded in Our Cultural Memory. Titled Swaranbhuti, Sakhyam, and Companions, In One Krishna appears with his calf company, in another, he is seen playing the bansuri – Each painting evokes a moment where memory, devotion, and imagination interesting.

“The textures and symbolic elements servants as landmarks on a spiritual map, inviting viewers to navigate through layers of myth, emotion, and timels love. My work seeks to reawaken celebriers, Note Through literal representation, but by blending material, symbolism, and sentiment into immersive, contemplative spaces, ”Says kadwaane.

Sun- The ahasthetic torcher by Sav Elanchezian | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Artist and Professor Sav Elaanchezian’s work on Watercolour Titled Sun CommeMorates The Sun for Elevating The Unpararallehed Beauty of Palava Pillars. “Thought the pillars are architectural elements, the Sun Elevates them as a sculpture as well. The sun demonstrates the subtle Principle of Arts and Architectly ConstsTSTSTSTSTSTSTSTSTESTES Symbolism on the Basis of Aesthetics, “Explains Elanchezian.

Based out of Singapore, Painter, Sculptor, P GNANA’s Bronze Sculpture Titled Fierce Protector, Shows a Child on Her Mother’s Lap. He Uses the Lost-Wax Technique, An ancient Chola-Period Method That Uses A Wax Mold to Create One-of-A-Kind Pieces. (Once the wax is melted, the mound is destroyed. BOCCEMING ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS in the Creative Process ”.

Mother by Rajasekar A | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Chennai-based artist Rajasekar a is showcasing his resin sculpture titled mother, inspired by Raja Ravi Varma’s Madri. “I dreamt of creating a sculpture in its spirit – a work that could hold the same quint majesty. But then a thought stirred within me: Varma was a royyal; the women he saw and panted in the elegency of Palaces

He Adds, “The Answer Rose Before Me, Not Queens of Gilded Courts, but the woman who have study before me all my life: my mother, my sister, my wife… Women with comer Eye, they did not stand holding silver trays brimming with fruit; INTEAD, they stood carrying some heavier – the home itself. ”

Mapping Memories by Madras Art Weekend is Done in Collection with the Hindu Made of Chennai, and is currently on at the Lalit Kala Akademi Till August 14, from 11am to 7pm.

Published – August 11, 2025 06:33 pm IST