Historical Significance
Founded in 1926 in Injaram (now Kakinada), the Gopala Row Art Gallery pays tribute to the esteemed N. Gopala Row, a pioneering figure in Andhra Pradesh’s modern contemporary art scene. Celebrated as the “Father of Modern Contemporary Art of Andhra State,” Row was a self-taught artist whose remarkable talent flourished during the British Raj. His legacy is not only preserved in his artworks but also in the gallery that bears his name.
Artistic Contributions
N. Gopala Row’s paintings garnered immense admiration, attracting the attention of Rajas and Maharajas, who commissioned him for portraits and celebrated his skill. His works, often inspired by epic tales like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, alongside serene landscapes, were widely appreciated and sold, enriching the art collections of nobility. The gallery initially showcased Row’s unique creations and later expanded to include works from his younger brother, N.V. Reddi Naidu, who was also a prominent artist in his own right.
Cultural Impact
The gallery became a hub for art enthusiasts, reflecting a growing passion for Row’s work and the desire to own pieces that embodied both artistic and cultural heritage. Even after the gallery ceased operations in 1945, the artistic legacy continued through N. Gopala Row’s eldest son, whose collection from Amalapuram , Coastal Andhra Pradesh kept the family’s artistic lineage alive.
Current Offerings
Today, the Gopala Row Art Gallery operates from Chennai, continuing its mission to celebrate art through a diverse range of offerings. Visitors can explore an impressive array of artworks, including oil paintings, watercolors, acrylics, lithographs, German oleographs/chromolithographs, limited edition art prints, photography, Tanjore paintings, and miniature paintings. This wide selection not only honors the past but also invites contemporary appreciation of the arts.
N Gopala Row
