Born in Bengaluru, Karnataka, in 1946, the artist S Nandagopal earned his bachelor's degree in physics from the University of Madras in 1966 Subsequently, he obtained a diploma in fine arts from the Government College of Fine Art, Madras, in 1971 During the same decade, he relocated to the Cholamandal Artists’ Village, established by his father, the visionary artist K C S Paniker

In the footsteps of his father, Nandagopal emerged as a leading figure in the Madras Art Movement Crediting artist P V Janakiram as his mentor and teacher, he crafted sculptures characterised by asymmetrical beauty and balance, infused with a modernist sensibility

Much like his father, Nandagopal's artistic creations represented a fusion of tradition and modernity While his 'pictorial sculptures' prominently featured folk elements, his educational background empowered him to seamlessly integrate imaginative expressiveness with the technological intricacies essential for sculptural creation

Employing copper and brass with silver plating, and judiciously incorporating enamelling for a touch of colour, Nandagopal's craftsmanship allowed his artistic repertoire to evolve The rhythmic process of beating metal sheets, along with activities such as cutting, welding, drilling, and hammering, became a meditative journey for him

During the late 1960s, Nandagopal's animal figurines and rider sculptures exhibited a resemblance to the dhokra metal crafts of the tribes in Central India His artistic contributions were recognized with numerous prestigious awards and honours, including the Madras State Lalit Kala Akademi Awards in 1968 and 1978, as well as a Gold Medal at the IVth Triennale International in New Delhi in 1978 In 1980, the Government of India bestowed upon him the Homi Bhabha Fellowship Nandagopal actively participated in exhibitions and shows, both at the national and international levels

The artist passed away in 2017