Chennai (previously known as Madras) is the gateway of southern India and the capital of the Tamil Nadu. The fourth most populous metropolis in India and a significant port city, Chennai is characterized by its Marina beach, modern skyscrapers and temple towers. Chennai is a loud, crowded, unapologetic mega-city and is perhaps one of the clearest examples of infused traditional and modern India.
Host Institution: Artist residency. The artist residency is open to art students interested in exploring contemporary art in southern India and community based art projects. Artist mentors Krishnapriya and Narendran Kumar, will provide housing, home cooked Tamil meals and advising. Mentors will help students develop a community based art project that will be created in partnership with a local art student. In addition to organizing site visits to essential contemporary art destinations in southern India, Krishnapriya and Narendran will advise students on their process and expose students to the contemporary art world in Tamil Nadu. The residency will conclude with an art exhibition created by the student and their peer mentor.
Mentors: C. P. Krishnapriya and her husband Narendran Kumar are practicing contemporary artists based out of Chennai. They received their art education from the Madras Government College of Fine Arts and Krishnapriya currently teaches art at an English medium school in Chennai. They are well connected to the burgeoning contemporary art scene in the city and regularly participate in gallery exhibitions in the city. In the winter of 2016/2017 Krishnapriya co-curated and organized a large-scale Students’ Biennale exhibit in Kochi, Kerala which focused on projects from art students across India. The couple regularly hosts artists in their Madras style home which has a semi-private apartment where students can stay.
Program Dates: Between June 1 - August 11
Program Length: 8 Weeks
Housing: Students will stay in the artists' home.
Internships Available: for 4 students
APPLICATION DEADLINE February 13, 2020 @11:59PM.
APPLY here! For questions contact Amelia Carter, Assistant Director, at ameliaca@upenn.edu.