BIKING ON ECR
Roaming around Chennai is kinda my favorite hobby of late. That too, when I'm riding my bike, there's nothing better than that!!! And anyone in Chennai, would definitely accept that a drive in ECR on bike, is the best riding experience - with the scenic beach & sea on one side and the salty sea breeze hitting the face, with very less traffic - Awesome. Just Awesome!!!
CHOLAMANDAL ARTIST VILLAGE - PLACES TO SEE IN ECR CHENNAI
While driving in ECR, I spotted this place called Cholamandal Artists Village and suddenly I got reminded of some sweet memories. I had already been there with my college friends during the 1st yr, 1st week as a part of the orientation programme for students. Suddenly, I realized I has never been to this place, with due respect to the place!!! So soon again, I drove to Cholamandal Artists Village. This was a couple of days before my exam and my mom was like 'You really wanna go???'. But I had made up my mind and there was no reconsideration.
CHOLAMANDAL ARTISTS VILLAGE HISTORY
Once I turned into the road that leads to Cholamandal, the scene was totally different. It was beautiful. Essentially Cholamandal Village, as the name suggests, is an artists community of about 30 artists who live together, started in 1965 under the guidance of K.C.S.Panikker. They have individual small homes or cottages which functions as their homes & studio combined.
VISIT CHOLAMANDAL ARTISTS VILLAGE
I was asked to park my vehicle outside. As soon as I went inside, I got to the reception desk, and with almost a 'lost' reaction, I enquired the reception, that I wanted to see the gallery. The entry ticket was for 20 bucks. There are a couple of studios named Labernum & Indigo, which serve as a gallery which exhibits their works once in a while. Also there is a museum sort of permanent modern art gallery, called the K.C.S.Paniker Museum of Madras Movement, which houses some of the gorgeous art works of some of the splendid modern artists who lived here including K.C.S.Panikkar, Thotta Tharani, Adhimoolam etc. The artists here are independent artists - painters or sculptors.
The lady at the reception gave me the exhibition booklet that had the prices of the artworks that was nothing less than Rs.50,000. No, I can't afford that! But well, I am an admirer and I took my own time to stand in front of each work and admire them.
AFFORDABLE ART AT CHOLAMANDAL ARTISTS VILLAGE
Good news, there is something that people like me can also afford. Some jewellery pieces and home decor pieces by these artists are available at a few hundred bucks. I got myself a pendant at Rs.250. Check it out at my other blog, Fashion Panache!!!
OPEN-AIR SCULPTURE GARDEN AT CHOLAMANDAL ARTISTS VILLAGE
After looking at the exhibits at the galleries, I came to the reception and enquired, if that was all. She said, there's the Open-air Sculpture Garden. Just outside the auditoriums, the ambience is perfect. There were so many trees and there was a centrally places banyan tree with some granite chairs n table. Perfect for a short talk or chat!!! A lovely locale to get inspired. I loved this sculpture of Owl, by Vijayavelu, made of Granite. Enjoy the photos of some more sculptures there... Hungry? Yeah, there's a cafe in there as well!!! More like a Garden Restaurant than a Cafe called Shiraz.
CHOLAMANDAL ARTIST VILLAGE TIMINGS (Updated Nov 2020)
10:30AM to 6:30PM
CHOLAMANDAL ARTIST VILLAGE ENTRY FEE (Updated Nov 2020)
Rs.30 (to be bought at the gate)
HOW TO REACH CHOLAMANDAL ARTISTS VILLAGE, ECR, CHENNAI
On Google Maps: Cholamandalam Artists' Village
Thiruvanmiyur to Cholamandal Artists' Village, Injambakkam: 7.5 km
Medavakkam to Cholamandal Artists' Village, Injambakkam via ECR Link Road: 10 km
Mahabalipuram to Cholamandal Artists' Village, Injambakkam: 35km
Buses are regularly available Thiruvanmiyur.
CHOLAMANDAL ARTISTS' VILLAGE ACCOMMODATION
Two guest houses of 400 sq. feet are available inhouse for rent. The galleries Indigo & Labernum are available for rent as well. Artists can also apply for studio cum residence facilities for a period of 11 months.
CHOLAMANDAL ARTIST VILLAGE ADDRESS & PHONE NUMBER
Cholamandal Artists' Village
Injambakkam, Chennai - 600041
Ph: +91 44 2449 0092 / 4053
OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN ECR, CHENNAI
The most important of Chennai attractions, the best day trip from Chennai - Mahabalipuram, is located close to Cholamandal Artists Village. Other places to see in ECR near Cholamandal Artists Village include DakshinaChitra, Muttukadu Boating, Thiruvidanthai Nithya Kalyana Perumal Temple, Kovalam Kailasanathar Temple, Steve Borgia Indian Heritage Museum, Sadras Fort, Alamparai Fort, Akkarai Beach etc
Gud One..
ReplyDeletehttp://rajniranjandas.blogspot.com/2011/07/ile-maurice.html
Nice artwork
ReplyDeletehi
ReplyDeletenice post with lot of informations
@Raj, Team G, Krishna,
ReplyDeleteThanks dears.. :)