While much has been discussed about Gen Z’s immersion in the fast-paced, often overwhelming digital world, a fascinating trend is taking hold in Chennai. Young people are actively seeking out analogue experiences, gathering at zine-making clubs, meticulously carving linocut prints, carefully loading film into vintage cameras, and immersing themselves in the warm sounds of vinyl records. This isn’t just a fleeting fancy; it’s a conscious, deliberate return to the tangible and authentic.
The Art of Zine-Making
Inside Kannadi Cupboard, a charming yellow-painted studio in Tambaram, siblings Prasanna Venkatesh and Keerthana Alageshan champion the analogue spirit. This space, intentionally free from digital distractions, hums with the scent of paper and glue, a testament to thoughtful creation. Every two weeks, a dedicated community gathers here to craft unique photobooks, zines, and collages. Sometimes, if the season allows, a lively mango potluck adds to the camaraderie. They even have an intriguing open invitation: leave a personal artifact in their glass cases, transforming everyday objects into museum-like exhibits.
“Everything feels so digital these days,” explains 23-year-old Prasanna. “Our aim was to craft something truly tactile, something that simply cannot be replicated online. The intimacy of holding a physical print or experiencing it firsthand is a sensation that digital platforms can’t provide. Plus, with the rise of AI, there’s a growing fear that all creative expression might start sounding identical.”
Of course, working with analogue mediums comes with its own set of challenges; the outcome isn’t always perfectly predictable. “When you draw a line with a wooden plank, it won’t be perfectly straight, and surprisingly, our generation is embracing these imperfections,” Prasanna notes. “That, ultimately, is the essence of analogue.”
Participants at a zine-making workshop hosted by Prasanna Venkatesh and Keerthana Alageshan in Tambaram.
The Revival of Linocut Printing
Just as zine-making experiences a vibrant resurgence, linocut printmaking is also rapidly gaining popularity. This artistic discipline embodies slowness and intention, unfolding as a three-hour meditative ritual of carving, rolling ink, and carefully pressing. Artist Aparna, who co-leads linocut workshops with Padma Shree, views analogue art as a form of liberation from the repetitive, pre-defined structures often encountered in modern work environments.
“For me, it’s not necessarily about resisting digital culture personally,” Aparna clarifies, “but more about finding a way to transcend the monotony of mass-produced, capital-driven art and craft. There’s an undeniable joy in creating something by hand. The inherent slowness of the process itself becomes a subtle act of rebellion against the constant demands and pressures of contemporary professional life.”
Padma Shree, another artist and native of Sivakasi, grew up familiar with terms like litho, press, and fine arts. She finds a unique appeal in the demanding yet fulfilling nature of the medium. “The repetitive actions – carving each stroke, rolling the ink, and pressing – are incredibly engaging,” she explains. “My mind enters a state of focused flow. I also deeply appreciate the physical engagement involved in printing, much like I do with other hands-on hobbies such as gardening and macramé.”
Artists Padma Shree and Aparna leading a linocut printing workshop.
The Enduring Charm of Film Photography
Aditya, a 26-year-old gallery archivist and passionate film photographer, observes the growing allure of analogue photography among his generation. “Digital photography offers instant gratification – you click, and the image is right there,” he explains. “But with film, the process is far more involved. It starts on the negatives, followed by enlargement, scanning, meticulous checks to ensure the image is perfect, and finally, printing. Even classic techniques like gelatin silver prints and cyanotypes are making a strong comeback. It might be a more expensive pursuit, yet more and more people are embracing it, even taking film cameras on their travels.”
Aditya, a gallery archivist and film photographer, engaged in a workshop.
In an era where everything unfolds at breakneck speed, Chennai’s Gen Z is making a conscious decision to embrace the tangible. Their pursuit of handmade crafts isn’t merely about vintage aesthetics or nostalgia; it’s a profound desire for the deliberate pace, the rich textures, and the unique character that analogue processes offer in a world often criticized for its uniformity and fleeting digital moments.