From Ajanta to Italy

Globetrotting artist Sakti Burman returns to the city after nine long years with a solo featuring imagery from India and Europe

Keen to get lost in a world of myths and fables or revel in intricate imagery and warm colour tones? Head to Kolkata-born artist Sakti Burman’s solo that opens at Jehangir Art Gallery this Wednesday. Showcasing 16 recent oil-on-canvas works, it marks the well-known artist’s return to Mumbai after nine years.

A Day At Sacré Coeur, oil on canvas, 2015

“Having been born in India, lived for several years in France and having travelled extensively, I have drawn inspiration from myriad sources, ranging from the Ajanta Caves to the paintings of the Italian Renaissance. The fusion in my works invites different reactions for each viewer. Their interpretation gives my works another dimension, hence the title,” shares the artist, revealing the reason behind the title, The Beholder’s Share.

Hope Of Ark, oil on canvas, 2014

Combining imagery from India and Europe, the artist has blended oil and acrylic to produce a marble effect in the works. The colour palette has been derived from the fin-de-siecle Nabis and Fauves (end of the 19th century colour painting styles practised by artists in France).

The exhibition will also feature a small selection of sculptures, drawings and lithographs. “My sculptures are almost like 3D renditions of my paintings. The lithographs are of some of my early works that are difficult to see or acquire as most of them are now in private collections. So, it is a good way for the viewer to visit my earlier style and rendition,” says Burman. The veteran artist’s works have been exhibited in London, Paris, Iran and Yokohama, among other destinations and galleries across the globe.

Sakti Burman

In sync with the exhibition, Art Musings will also launch a limited-edition artist book that blends paintings and drawings by Sakti Burman with texts by poet-art critic Ranjit Hoskote. “Though several books have been done on me, this is a limited edition monograph of only works of this exhibition. What’s interesting is that Ranjit’s poems are not just descriptive of my paintings, but also fascinating pieces by themselves, which add yet another dimension to the project,” sums up Burman.

From: February 10 to 15, 11 am to 7 pm
At: Jehangir Art Gallery, 161 Kala Ghoda.
Call: 22843989;

From: February 16 to March 10, 11 am to 7 pm
At: Art Musings, 1 Admiralty Building, Colaba Cross Lane.
Call: 22163339

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!