Maya Burman’s art exhibition reflects on positive effects of nature during the Covid-19 pandemic

When French artist Maya Burman moved from her residence in Paris to a small commune in Southwestern France during the Covid-19 pandemic, she may not have been prepared for the kind of influence it would have on her. Now, almost two years later, she has brought her experience there in the last two years to life in the form of vibrant artworks titled ‘Games of Life', curated by poet Ranjit Hoskote.

These works will be showcased by Delhi-based Art Alive Gallery for their inaugural show in The Quorum Mumbai club. Burman, who has origins in India, uses watercolours and ink to paint a colourful dream world that finds a home for her Indian and French roots through various elements that she has collected over the years in documents, museums, and theatre shows.

As many people became introspective because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Burman focuses on the happier times, which she tells us, represents her personality in general. The work exudes her experience in nature, while focussing on architecture and landscapes, and at the same time depicting merriment that gives many hope in difficult times.

Mid-day Online spoke to Burman, to understand what inspired her to create the series of artworks. She also dwells on how the Covid-19 pandemic played a role in putting her experience on the canvas. The French artist also dwells on why she prefers exhibiting in physical galleries over the virtual space.

Here are edited excerpts:

What inspired you to create 'Games of Life' and use watercolours and ink to depict the artworks?
Watercolour, colour pencil and ink are my regular mediums. I also work with oil painting. As often I was inspired by nature, I also got back to architecture items because it has always attracted and inspired me. Of course, that is my interpretation of it. Circus is also one of the series works that will be showcased. It is a very oneiric, poetic, also very graphic subject.

The artworks are a result of your experience during the pandemic. What did you feel during this time that made you turn them into these artworks?
During the pandemic, my family and I left Paris to live in the countryside. It is a quite lonely place, surrounded by nature. Of course, the panorama in which I live has an impact on my work. Now, nature gives a real tempo to our everyday life here. I realise that the image of the world I was depicting in my painting is now pretty much real. Before, our stay in nature was temporary and we were always back in the big city. Now, we are permanently living in one of my paintings.

Was your changing of residence during the pandemic a conscious move to help you create more artworks or did it come after you were a part of the commune?
The change of residence had nothing to do with my work but of course the impact was major. I have the feeling that my life has expanded. When we decided to leave Paris, it was not only a change of landscape, it was a total change of life. Living in the countryside is keeping us very busy so I had to organise my painting time according to seasonal work, since there is a lot more daily work to do here.

While many people focused on introspection and the difficult time, what made you paint the happier times?
The time during the pandemic was one of the best things that has happened to me. It has given me the opportunity to give a new shape to my life. There should be an impact on my painting. My work has always been very happy and joyful. I think I am someone quite happy in life and so is my work.

These artworks explore your Indian and French roots. What are the different elements you have used to bring these roots to the fore?
I get inspiration from what I see, what I feel. I believe I am curious, so I have an eclectic selection of subjects that interest me. I am often surprised to see where I get inspiration, ideas of composition. When something touches me, I reinterpret it, and one day it appears in my composition. I am sure my subconscious is doing more than 50 per cent of the job. I got sketches from documents, museums, and theatre shows. I got my sketch book from years with elements I have been collecting. I use them regularly in my compositions. They are in fact not only from India or France but other countries around the world.

Do you see the last two years of the Covid-19 pandemic influencing your art not only for your present artworks but also the future?
Now, honestly, the pandemic is far from us in my little village. We are more impacted by climate change and political crises all over the world.

As many art galleries weren't open, the world went into the online mode during the pandemic to view artworks online. Which medium do you prefer more - online or at the art gallery, and why?
I have always worked with a few galleries. Even during the pandemic, they did a great job. I think selling art is something, and painting is another job. I am grateful to the galleria for removing that from me. They are promoting our paintings in so many ways. They are making it a full-time job. I wouldn't be able to paint if I had to do 10 per cent of what they do. And of course, you need to experience the work in real life to appreciate it fully. The internet will just give you a partial idea.

When: On till October 31
Time: 8 am - 1 am (Open on all days)
The artworks are accessible to all members. Non-members will be able to view the artworks by appointment only. To book an appointment, please call the The Quorum Mumbai front desk.
Call: 72088 98778

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