Sixteen Artists. Different Perspectives. One Shared Space.

The Madras Warp brings together sixteen contemporary artists, each with their own interests, experiences, and ways of expressing themselves. Curated by Nivetha Mailasini, the exhibition will be held from 1 to 7 November 2026 at Lalit Kala Akademi, Chennai.

The exhibition takes its name from the warp, the threads that form the foundation of a woven fabric. Just as individual threads come together to create something larger, The Madras Warp brings together artists with different personalities, perspectives, and creative practices, while allowing each to retain their individuality.

Featuring diverse mediums such as painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, ceramics, mixed media, and installations, the exhibition reflects the artists’ personal journeys, everyday experiences, passions, curiosities, and hopes for the future. Rather than following a single theme, it celebrates the freedom of each artist to explore and express ideas in their own ways of seeing their world.

At its heart, The Madras Warp is a simple and organic attempt to connect people through art. It creates a shared space where artists can present their work and audiences can discover new perspectives, engage in conversations, and build meaningful connections with the artists and their practices.

For curator Nivetha Mailasini, who is professionally engaged in art and curatorial practices while specialising in Museology and Cultural Heritage, the exhibition reflects a personal interest in bringing different artistic voices together and making contemporary art more approachable to a wider audience.

The Madras Warp invites everyone to experience sixteen distinct artistic journeys coming together in one shared space, where individuality is celebrated and conversations begin through art.

For me, The Madras Warp is about bringing people together through art. Every artist has their own journey, interests, experiences, and way of seeing the world. I wanted to create a space where these differences could exist together without losing their individuality. My hope is that visitors will take their time with the artworks, discover something new, experiential and connect with the artists and their stories. Sometimes, a simple conversation around a work of art can be the beginning of a meaningful connection. Art can be experienced in countless ways, touching each of us differently. In its own quiet way, it becomes a soulful companion, bringing comfort, connection, and meaning to our lives.

“Art has many ways of touching our lives. Sometimes it connects us, sometimes it comforts us, and sometimes it simply stays with us.” 

Nivetha Mailasini
Artist & Curator, The Madras Warp

EXHIBITION DETAILS

Exhibition: The Madras Warp
Format: Group Art Exhibition (Modern & Contemporary)
Curator: Nivetha Mailasini
Participating Artists: 16

Artists list:

• Apoorva kappagantula 

• Catherine Alexander 

• Helen Jenifer

• Hemant Kumar

• Indhujapriya

• Kiran Babu

• Mahima Varma

• Maran Rajapandian  

• Neppoliyan

• Nivetha Mailasini

• Rishi Sasi

• Selin Sabashini

• Vibhav Kasal

• Vidarthe Nagarajan

• Vidya Lalgudi Jaishankar

1. Vineesh Vijayan

Dates: 1–7 November 2026
Venue: Lalit Kala Akademi, Chennai

Instagram: The Madras Warp: https://www.instagram.com/the_madras_warp?srtk=a2xucmExdWU5OHpr&utm_source=qr