Some early works of Paris-based eminent artist Sakti Burman, that have never been exhibited before, are now on display at the Academy of Fine Arts here.
The solo show 'Sakti Burman: A private universe' running till March 21, takes art lovers through his work since 1950s where legends, family and Indian gods meet and mingle in his private kaleidoscopic universe.
These oil on canvas paintings and sculptures are part of his personal collection and has been put on display for the first time to mark his 80th birthday.
"Through my work I return to my native roots, my youth, and the transitory world of innocence. The role of memory in art is a recognised fact, but in my case, as a painter living in a foreign city for so many years, my memories are doubly potent in sustaining my creative life," Burman said.
While realism resurfaces in his paintings, his work transports viewers into the realm of fantasy and illustrates the evolution of the Kolkata-born painter.
Burman's characteristically mythical figures evoke ancient tales of courtly romances and captivating worlds, brimming with sensuous maidens, children playing and exotic birds and beasts.
Conscious of his Indian roots, many of his works are centered on Indian mythological characters like Lord Krishna, Shiva, Buddha and Goddess Durga.
He was also left fascinated by Matisse and Bonnard and inspired by the frescoes and paintings of the Renaissance period.
Over the years, he has had exhibitions in London, Iran, Moscow, Leningrad, Belfast and Yokohama.
