Chennai, 20th December 2024 – As part of the Chennai Photo Biennale’s Invited Projects for December 2024, acclaimed photographer and founder of Studio A, Amar Ramesh, proudly presents his photographic series, ‘Madras Margazhi’, at the prestigious Narada Gana Sabha in Chennai. The exhibit runs from 20th December 2024 to 3rd February 2025 and showcases a captivating collection of portraits that celebrate the confluence of Chennai’s iconic Margazhi festival and its rich Carnatic music heritage.
This unique exhibit is not just a visual feast but a labor of love meticulously crafted over months. Amar Ramesh’s vision took him beyond the confines of the studio, capturing musicians in Chennai’s iconic locations, blending their art with the essence of the city. Speaking about his experience, Amar said, “This project was both a challenge and a joy. The process of coordinating with artists, selecting locations, and creating something that honors the soul of Margazhi was intense, but it’s deeply fulfilling to see it come to life in such a grand way.”
Amar shared heartfelt gratitude to several contributors who made this exhibit possible. One of the pivotal supporters was Mr. Nagarajan, Culturepreneur and Chairman of Ramraj Cotton, whose unwavering belief in the project helped transform the idea into reality. Reflecting on the collaboration, Mr. Nagarajan said:
“At Ramraj, tradition and culture are the threads that connect us to our roots, and it’s with immense pride that we partner with the ‘Madras Margazhi’ project—a celebration of Chennai’s legacy and the soulful world of Carnatic music. Supporting this initiative is more than sponsorship; it’s an expression of gratitude to the artists who carry forward an ancient legacy and to the city that embodies the spirit of Margazhi.”
Ramraj Cotton’s first foray into the realm of Carnatic music beautifully complements their ethos of preserving and honoring heritage, much like Amar Ramesh’s photographic homage to the timeless tradition of Margazhi.
Amar recounted the challenges and triumphs of the creative process: “There were moments when I felt overwhelmed by the scope of this project. Coordinating with musicians, managing schedules, and choosing the perfect backdrops across Chennai was daunting. But thanks to unwavering support from individuals like Rithvik Raja (Artist) and the team at Studio A, as well as unexpected collaborators like Ramya, who volunteered their time and effort, this vision has become a reality.”
He also expressed profound gratitude to Narada Gana Sabha for embracing his vision and allowing the venue’s iconic facade to serve as a canvas for this groundbreaking exhibit. “This is a first for Narada Gana Sabha,” Amar said. “It’s truly special to see the space transform into a hub for visual storytelling.”
Exhibit Highlights
- Venue: Narada Gana Sabha, Chennai
- Dates: 20th December 2024 – 3rd February 2025
- Focus: Portraits of Carnatic musicians captured against Chennai’s iconic landmarks, celebrating the spirit of Margazhi and its musical heritage.
‘Madras Margazhi ‘ is not just a showcase of stunning visuals but a heartfelt tribute to the artists who dedicate their lives to Carnatic music and to the city of Chennai, which serves as its beating heart. This exhibit is an invitation to immerse oneself in the magic of Margazhi through the lens of one of Chennai’s most celebrated photographers.
