The Contemporary Art Gallery now displays modern paintings and sculptures. The master pieces of Raja Ravi Varma, D.P. Roy Chowdhury, eminent artists and works of K.C.S. Panicker, S. Dhanapal and others representing Tamilnadu are represented in the collection. The break up of details of the media are as follows Oils, Tempera, water colour, and Graphic, Acrylic and Modern sculptures.

In order to prevent ultra violet rays falling on paintings both from natural and artificial light, a new track lighting system with Dichroic Halogen lamps has been installed in the Contemporary Art Gallery. The special Dichroic coating which transmits 2/3 of the total infra red (heat) radiation generated to the back of the glass reflector, reflects the visible radiation (light) forward. The result is a precisely defined relatively low temperature cool beam. The light rays from the Dichroic Halogen lamp emit light from 39 to 49 lux only. Dichroic Halogen lamps have low power consumption.

Paintings Gallery

The Contemporary paintings have been redisplayed on Octanorm type showcases with special Dichroic lights. The lights have been modified in - house.

A view of the Contemporary paintings on display

Egmore Church

        It is an oil painting painted by S.Murugesan in the year 1954. The painting shows the oldest church of Madras, situated at Egmore.

Cock fight

        The painting depicts cock fighting painted by Reddappa Naidu in the year 1959. It is an oil painting on cardboard. He is one of the eminent artists of South India.

Fruits

        The painting painted in Indian ink is the work of S. Dhanapal drawn in the year 1982. He was one of the outstanding artists of Tamil Nadu. Portraiture and compositions are his special lines. He is at his best in black and white sketches. His delicate drawings in brush or pencil are effective.