An Anthropomorphic Reality - The "River of Faith"

Solo show by Jayasri Burman

“…we learn that rivers are to be represented in human shape, as was the case with them in Greece, but they should stand on their vāhanas, their knees should be bent and their hands should hold full pitchers. What an amazing association of ideas!”

Stella Kramrisch (Exploring India’s Sacred Art, 1983, p. 267)

Jayasri Burman. Bharti. Acrylic on Canvas. 73” x 204”. 2021. Image courtesy of Art Exposure

An extension of this ideology - originated from the Theory of Citasūtras in the Visnudharmottara - subtly blends within Jayasri Burman’s contemporary oeuvre. Deeply rooted within Indic beliefs and ritualistic traditions, Burman’s solo exhibit enlivens the physical, spiritual and geographical expanse of the mighty Ganges. Her exquisite ensemble of creations leaves the viewers in awe as they immerse in a series of poetic expressions, intricate ornamentation and a world of anthropomorphic depiction of deities from the Hindu pantheon- from Ganesha, Bal Gopal to Siva - Parvati and Veenadhari Saraswati to mention a few.

Personified as a powerful figurine with lotus shaped eyes, the river is depicted with auspicious motifs such as blossomed lotus, matsya, conch shell and intricate mukuta. Burman’s very own contemporary addition being vibrant boats! While embodying these narratives of the traditional Indian aesthetics, the artist reiterates pressing concerns of ecology and time. Burman sets tone to the curation as it gradually transitions from the vibrant and extravagant to the monochrome but realistic. Deeply affected by the desecrated and polluted state of the Ganges, the artist hopes to call attention and re-instil ‘hope and faith’ towards its resurrection. Juxtaposing fable and fact, traditional and contemporary, Burman’s narratives flow through her canvas as she paints and sculpts her way through the multifaceted Ganga- dressed in nine yards of rich fabric and flowy luscious black locks.

Created over a span of twelve years, the artworks celebrate femininity across her evolving practice. The natural phenomena of water, notions of fertility and fecundity, temporal wealth and power culminate together within Burman’s dynamic creations. A sense of affirmative energy flows through this ‘River of Faith’. The show leaves behind a gentle reminder to advance towards “restoring balance and tranquillity in our lives and repose our faith in nature and its powers.” These dreamy visual presentations, where mythology meets reality, was on display at Art Exposure, Kolkata until March 1, 2022. The show is curated by the dynamic trio- Alka Pande, Ina Puri and Jesal Thacker.