Yep, I think we’re a bit of “a mess” at the moment. A self-described Punjabi Liverpudlian {ie., born in Liverpool, to parents from India}, UK based artist Chila Burman pays homage to both these backgrounds in all of her wonderful work. I could go on and on about the many things she creates {by pointing you to this great video from 2018}, but today I have to talk about “Remembering A Brave New World”. Stunning! This year marks the 4th annual Winter Commission at Tate Britain, and yes, Chila is this year’s artist… and oh my word, look what she did!? Here’s the description from the gallery:
TATE BRITAIN WINTER COMMISSION: “This magnificent installation, remembering a brave new world, combines Hindu mythology, Bollywood imagery, colonial history and personal memories. Inspired by the artist’s childhood visits to the Blackpool illuminations and her family’s ice-cream van, Burman covers the façade of Tate Britain with vinyl, bling and neon. She changes the figure of Britannia, a symbol of British imperialism, into Kali, the Hindu goddess of liberation and power. The many illuminated deities, shapes and words are joined by Lakshmibai, the Rani (queen) of Jhansi. Lakshmibai was a fierce female warrior in India’s resistance to British colonial rule in the 19th century.
Burman is celebrated internationally for her radical feminist practice, spanning printmaking, drawing, painting, installation and film. Her Punjabi and Liverpudlian heritage enrich her self-expressive work. Burman mashes up stereotypes to create new identities, beyond the limitations imposed on South Asian women in a British cultural context.
The commission opened to coincide Diwali, the Festival of Light. It is a celebration of new beginnings, the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness. remembering a brave new world takes inspiration from the luminous struggles and victories of the past to offer hope for a brighter future.”
Yes, yes, yesssss. Every detail in this piece has meaning, some of which are explained in this interview Chila did with dezeen last week. My favorite tidbit is the ice cream van, a nod to her father who drove one when first arriving in England. Love. Yet another fabulous thing about this installation? Even though the gallery is closed because of COVID, you can see this beauty without going in! Chila’s work will adorn the facade until January 31, 2021.
