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Chennai has long been a cultural powerhouse, known for its deep-rooted traditions in Carnatic music, Bharatanatyam, and Tamil literature. However, in recent years, the city has undergone a transformation, embracing contemporary art practices that expand beyond its classical roots. From the ongoing Chennai Photo Biennale (CPB) and ever-evolving Madras Art Guild (MAG) to the recently concluded Baro Market and the ever-evolving Madras Art Guild, Chennai is proving that tradition and modernity can be besties, not rivals.
Manisha Gera Baswani’s solo show ‘Artist Through the Lens’ at Raw Mango, Chennai, 2025. Source: Chennai Photo Biennale.
Chennai Photo Biennale: A Lens on Contemporary Narratives
Now in its fourth edition, the Chennai Photo Biennale has firmly established itself as a heavyweight in South Asia’s photography scene. Themed Why Photograph?, this edition is asking all the big, existential questions about photography in an era where we snap a dozen selfies before breakfast. Running until 16 March, CPB Phase 3 is bringing together emerging and established photographers through exhibitions, panels, and workshops to keep you busy in the muggy heat of the Madras summer.
Installation view of ‘Vaanyerum Vizhuthugal’ at VR Chennai, 2025. Source: The Architecture Story.
Prashant Panjiar’s Indianisms captures the quirks of Indian life with a mix of irony and wit, while Kaana Katral (Learning to See) and Hey! reflect CPB’s commitment to education and inclusivity, showcasing works by Chennai’s graduate students and neurodiverse photographers. Don’t miss Sunil Gupta’s retrospective, Love and Light, at Egmore Museum! The exhibition covers several decades of his life, chronicling his friends, lovers, activism, and personal milestones.
Installation view of Sunil Gupta’s retrospective ‘Love and Light’, at Egmore Museum, Chennai, 2025. Source: The Architecture Story.
With a growing number of local and international collaborators, CPB is not just showcasing photographic excellence but is also redefining Chennai’s engagement with visual culture. The biennale’s Open Call has attracted participation from over 30 countries, highlighting Chennai’s expanding global footprint in contemporary art discourse.
Madras Art Guild: A Celebration of Cross-Cultural Dialogues
The month-long Madras Art Guild (MAG) has emerged as a vibrant space for artists, students, and institutions to engage with the city’s artistic pulse. Supported by the Yuj Arts Foundation and hosted at VR Chennai, the fourth edition of MAG carries the theme Transcending Boundaries—which, let’s be honest, is exactly what Chennai is doing right now. With over 1,000 artworks in play, the event is a perfect mix of student-driven experiments and works from some of the biggest names in the art world.
Installation at Madras Art Guild, VR Chennai, 2025. Source: New Indian Express.
The Market as a Cultural Hub: Baro Market
The recently concluded Affordable Art Show by Baro Market serves as another testament to Chennai’s evolving cultural sensibilities. With an eclectic mix of design, craft, and visual art, Baro Market’s presence in Chennai reflects a growing appreciation for independent artists and curators who are reshaping the aesthetics of everyday life
Baro Market’s Affordable Art Show at The Folly at Amethyst, Chennai, 2025. Source: Baro Market.
Chennai’s Artistic Future: A City in Motion
The proliferation of initiatives like CPB, MAG, and Baro Market underscores Chennai’s transformation into a dynamic cultural hub. While classical traditions continue to thrive, there is an undeniable energy pushing the city toward new artistic frontiers. This expansion is not just about aesthetics but also about engagement—whether through public art installations, community-driven photography projects, or interdisciplinary collaborations. And with Madras Art Weekend coming up later this year, the city’s artistic momentum shows no signs of slowing down.
