Distinct for its references to South Indian sculptural and architectural forms and traditions, Nandagopal’s work draws from indigenous as well as international developments in modern and contemporary art. Since its founding by his late father the eminent painter K.C.S. Paniker (1911-1977) in 1966, Nandagopal has lived and worked in the artist community, “Cholamandal Artists Village” near the city of Chennai, since 1968. Artists from this community, including Nandagopal, are particularly noted for the “Madras Art Movement” that explored iconic frontality in narrative semi-abstract sculpture, employing traditional metal repousse techniques with decorative surfaces and linear elements created by welding, piercing and electroplating metal surfaces.

Index of Images

All photos by G. Vankat Ram for the 2008 Gallery Espace exhibition catalog unless otherwise noted.

Title page: “Flight”, welded brass and copper, 40” , detail, “Memories of a Hero Stone”
Introductory paragraph page: title unavailable, photo: Kathryn Myers
“Monkey” welded copper and brass, 60” 2006, collection Smita Bajoria, Gallery Ganjes, Kolkata
“Cow” welded copper and brass, 40” 2007
“Violinist” welded copper and brass 40” 2007
“Vishnu” welded copper and brass, 47” 1991
“Garuda” welded copper and brass, 34” 2007
“Vishnu” welded copper and brass, 26 x 36 x 8” 2005 Collection Jay Mehta
“Garuda” stainless steel, 16’. Collection, Transport Corporation of India
“Ferryman” (version I) welded copper and brass, 45” 2005, collection Jasdeep Sandhu
“A Many Headed Figure” silver plated copper, 47” 1968
“Memories of a Hero Stone”, left: welded copper and brass, 47” 1983, right: welded copper and brass, 35” no date listed, collection Gajah Gallery, Singapore
“The Predator” welded brass and copper, 95” 2007
“Vrichika” silver plated copper, 71” 1979
Matsya, Ravi Varma Press, Wikipedia commons
Photos of Cholamandal: Kathryn Myers