Madras Art Weekend launches the Madras Art Salon, a monthly art showcase in Chennai

In its first edition, the Madras Art Salon spotlights the works of journalist and artist Narayan Lakshman at The Botanical Club, a social space in the British Deputy High Commission, Chennai

Amidst murals in green and yellow of lush leaves and foliage spilling across the walls of The Botanical Club, new accents of teal, red, and lavender punctuate the space. 

A social space at the British Deputy High Commission, The Botanical Club has joined hands with the Madras Art Weekend to bring art to the forefront through the Madras Art Salon, a monthly showcase of emerging and established artists. In its first edition, the Madras Art Salon is hosting a solo showcase of Chennai-based journalist and artist Narayan Lakshman’s works. 

Narayan Lakshman’s art on display at The Botanical Club | Photo Credit: Johan Sathyadas

“For the next 12 months, we will feature an emerging or established artist and spotlight their work every month by displaying around 15 artworks. For us, it is a means to reach out to a wider community and get them to appreciate art. The purpose is to build an ecosystem with art enthusiasts, collectors, and others who are interested in art in some way,” says Upasana Asrani, founder, Madras Art Weekend.

Speaking about their tie-up with the British Deputy High Commission and The Botanical Club, Upasana adds that they are particularly keen on pushing the narratives of artists largely from the South. 

For Narayan, working on 13 works within a month for this showcase, meant a unique challenge: one that made him apply his mind to questions of discipline, technique, and materials. “From sawdust and wax to sand, and of course my standard acrylics. I have tried to showcase a variety of materials for people to enjoy,” he says.