Gallery 7 owner Nicholai Sachdev speaks about Sakti Burman’s ongoing exhibition.
One of India’s leading artists, Sakti Burman’s mystique works on canvas and water colours from the 1960s to 1980s are on display at Gallery 7. Sourced from important collections from India as well as overseas, the artworks that are on sale are a must-see for anyone wanting to learn about the greats or to build their collection.
Burman is the recipient of numerous honours including the Prix des Etrangers, Ecole des Beaux-Arts, Paris; the Medaille Arts, Science et Lettres, Paris; the Medaille d’Argent de Montmorency; the Medaille d’Or, Salon des Artistes Francais, Grand Palais, Paris; and the Prix de la Ville de l’Isle-Adam, France. His works have found place in the collections of major museums and cultural institutions, including the British Museum, London; the Musee de la Ville, Paris; the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi; the National Gallery, Auckland; the Punjab Museum, Chandigarh; the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Bombay; and the Ministry of Culture, Government of France, Paris.
Gallery owner Nicholai Sachdev spoke to After Hrs about the exhibition The Subconscious Expression which is on at the gallery till June 4. Excerpts from the conversation:
On what basis or theme did you curate this exhibition?
We wanted to showcase an important phase of Sakti’s career. We put together this show of works on canvas and watercolours from the 60s-80s, not just specific to an artist but specific to an important period in an artist’s life.
How many works of the artist are on display?
There are 33 works on display — watercolours on paper and works on canvas.
There is a lot of colour on the canvas and illustrations when it comes to Sakti’s paintings. Where do you think that comes from?
I think Sakti is a strong amalgamation of East and West. His works are like an ageing fresco with images seeped in fantasy and romanticism, exotic themes, enchanting subjects and captivating expression that transports the viewer into a mystical world which is the artist’s conscious expression of his subconscious. In his world he transfuses both France and India into a beautiful dream which captivates the viewer.
How important is this artist’s work and why is there a need to look at his work?
Sakti is considered as one of the pioneering post-independence artists of India and is considered one of India’s leading artists. Burman stands out from his contemporaries with his unique style and inspiration.
Is there a painting here which is a favourite of yours and you would love to keep for yourself?
That’s extremely hard as I react to all the 33 works on display. They have been painstakingly sourced from India and worldwide. We expect a sold-out exhibition but if I’m lucky enough we will retain whatever’s left.
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