A Durga that looks like a European queen holding little Ganesha, a dancing Krishna, and nature in its abundance, Sakti Burman's oils on acrylics are a viewer's treat
A Durga that looks like a European queen holding little Ganesha, a dancing Krishna, and nature in its abundance, Sakti Burman's oils on acrylics are a viewer's treat. 
The paintings that evoke images of weathered frescoes or murals bring together two culturesu00a0-- Indian and European. After all, this Kolkata-born artist has made France his home for almost five decades now.
"I'm always present in two places. When I'm in India, my mind is in France and when I'm there, I keep thinking of people and places here," reveals Sakti Burman, who is Mumbai for an exhibition put together by Art Musings. Sakti talks about his work and India:
Blend of cultures
These works took over three years. And yes, you can see influences from both cultures because I've attended French carnivals and Paris streets as often as I've come to India. My work evolves from real people, sketches that I draw of family members, a couple paying homage to Durga, of a girl sitting or a man sleeping, one who is fed up of war and is taking a rest. I've unconsciously mixed up and expressed real images and my experiences in Europe and India, as I like different elements complementing each other.
Land of dreams
When I came from Kolkata to study art in Mumbai as a boy, it was a dreamland. It is so even today. It's is an exciting place as so many things keep happening. And I love the sea all around. Another thing that I really love is the Prince of Wales museum. It has beautiful collections of sculptures, miniatures and different kinds of art. And finally, what is a place without its people? I have so many great friends here that it is always a pleasure to return and catch up with them.
Reflection of time
The city is culturally very active. There are so many art galleries here and so many budding artists too. The art scene has changed when compared to what it was in Michelangelo and Raphael's times. We have advanced in our techniques and the technical instruments, we use to express our emotions. Pottery with jugs wouldn't have been accepted as art back then, but today it is. People are more open to different forms of art than they were earlier. That's why I say that art follows time. But all of us, be it Anjolie (Ela Menon) or Raza (S H Raza) or other artists, carry spirituality in our work and that's what comes across strongly.
Who: Sakti Burman
What: Talks about being in two placesu00a0-- India and Franceu00a0-- at the same time
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