Master of metal, S Nandagopal dies

CHENNAI: Renowned sculptor S Nandagopal passed away at 8.15pm at his residence at

Cholamandal Artists' Village

on Friday after he suffered a massive heart attack. He was 71.

The

Madras Movement artist

, known for his large metal sculptures was the son of K C S Paniker, one of the leading figures of the Madras Art Movement and founding member of Cholamandal Artists' Village.

Born in 1946, in Bengaluru, Nandagopal was one of the earliest artists to move into Cholamandal Artists Village with his father.

Though he initially fol lowed in his father's footsteps as a painter while studying at the Government College of Arts, Chennai, he chose to carve his creativity in metal in his professional career.

No stranger to innovation, his sculptures known for their flaming hues of bronze and copper made way for lacquered colours three years ago. Two years ago he turned to painting again with watercolours for a show in the city.

A recipient of National Award of Lalit Kala Academy and the Jindal Stainless Steel award for sculpture, he is survived by his wife Kala and daughter Pallavi.