National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai & Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India, supported by Art Musings presents ‘In the Presence of Another Sky: Sakti Burman, A Retrospective’, a survey of the distinguished artist Sakti Burman’s work across nearly six decades. This retrospective is curated by poet and cultural theorist Ranjit Hoskote. It situates Sakti Burman’s practice in its historical contexts – as much within an evolving Indian modern as within the European lineage of the modern.Hoskote’s curatorial reading emphasises Burman’s affinities with a spectrum of artistic reference points, ranging from Pompeii murals to Dubuffet to illuminated manuscripts and miniatures. The exhibition will map Burman’s practice across the diverse artistic engagements that have characterised his journey: this includes his memorable contributions to engraving, the art of the book, drawing, sculpture, and painting in various media. ‘In the Presence of Another Sky’ will also celebrate the role of travel, of encounters with varied cultures, in the shaping of Burman’s art and world-view.
Director NGMA, Mr Shivaprasad Khened speaks of the upcoming retrospective: “On the 70th anniversary of India’s independence, it is a privilege and honour for the NGMA Mumbai to be hosting an exhibition of an artist who was witness to India’s Independence. This exhibition – In the Presence of Another Sky: Sakti Burman, A Retrospective – is a tribute to all those who were witness to India’s historic Independence and to the most unfortunate trauma that followed during the partition of the country into two nations, when millions of migrants crossed across the divided nations of India and East Pakistan.”
Several outreach programs are planned during the duration of the exhibition including walks with the curator, a poetry reading, panel discussion and a book release.