Art Deco Madras

About the project

"Art Deco Madras" is an immersive project dedicated to documenting and presenting the vibrant Art Deco culture and social histories of Madras (now Chennai). Madras, a city renowned for its rich cultural tapestry, has witnessed the flourishing of the Art Deco movement, a style characterized by its bold geometric patterns, luxurious materials, and modernist aesthetic. This project aims to delve into the architectural marvels, artistic expressions, and the socio-cultural impact of the Art Deco movement in Madras during the early to mid-20th century.

The Art Deco movement, which emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, left an indelible mark on Madras, influencing its architecture, fashion, cinema, and lifestyle. Through meticulous research, archival exploration, and community engagement, "Art Deco Madras" seeks to unravel the stories behind iconic Art Deco structures, the people who inhabited them, and the societal transformations they symbolized.

This project will present a comprehensive narrative, enriched with visual documentation, personal anecdotes, and scholarly insights, capturing the essence of Madras' Art Deco heritage. By highlighting the interplay between global Art Deco trends and local traditions, "Art Deco Madras" will celebrate the unique fusion that defines the city's historical and cultural landscape, aiming to make this fascinating aspect of Madras' history accessible to a wider audience, fostering appreciation and preservation of its Art Deco legacy for future generations.