India is a country so vast and diverse. Its rich history is a culmination of the myriad of dynasties that prevailed in India. Each empire that ruled the Indian soil left an architectural legacy that stands the test of time, as a testimony to our past. One such architectural marvel that still stands tall as a symbol of architecture, religion, spirituality, and prosperity is the Kanchi Kailasanathar temple. Built approximately 1300 years ago during the Pallava dynasty, the temple stands timeless, offering visitors a glimpse of the region’s glorious past.
STONES & STORIES is a photography exhibition by Amar Ramesh, aimed to take you on a journey through this temple’s magnificence. The pictures are a result of persistent efforts over the past one year, taken during various times of the day. When you look close, you can see that every pillar, every single painting on the walls, the sculptures, and the pathways all have a story to tell. The audience get to interact with the photographer and also listen to heritage lectures by eminent historians, planned as a part of the exhibition.
Also in the exhibition you can find a STONES & STORIES coffee table book, where Amar Ramesh aims to bring history one step closer to your hands. The book starts by explaining readers how the concept of structural stone temples rose in the Pallavan era. It brings to light how they would have erected gigantic structures and carved out monoliths at a time when there was no assistance from technology and precision instruments.
The book then shows images of the sculptures (both that are in excellent conditions and those ravaged by time), paintings on the walls of the temple, and inscriptions of historical facts. The book will not just take you on a visual journey across time but will enlighten you on the history and stories that went behind the construction of the temple as well.
If you are a heritage enthusiast or looking to gift something timeless to someone special, this book comes in as the perfect takeaway. It is in the shelf for sale in the exhibition.The over all intention is to enlighten the viewers with the temple’s splendour and make them visit the temple in person to experience the grandeur. Come be part of the celebration of the glorious past, come be part of Stones and Stories.
Date: April 8,9 Time: 10.30 AM to 6.00 PM
Venue: Kasturi Sreenivasan Trust Art Gallery, Avinasi Road, Civil Aerodrome post, Peelamedu, Kovai. Tel: 0422 2574110
Admission: Open to all