Recently, the Nayan Naveli Gallery unveiled a captivating new exhibition that features a retrospective display of the remarkable works by Sakti Burman and Maitre Delteil. These works reveal the artistic journey of these talented individuals. The collection consists primarily of their truly extraordinary and previously unseen pieces. These works offer a glimpse into the transformative process that has shaped these artists into who they are today. The artworks are incredibly intricate and showcase diverse mediums to explore. There is absolutely no denying that these two artists are true masters of their craft and require no introduction whatsoever.
The delivery of their journey has been infused with creativity and artistry, causing the works to truly shine, catching the eye and immersing the viewer into a magnificent world of fantasy. Sakti Burman’s artworks eloquently capture the essence of his artistic voyage, intertwining mythology, folk tales, and personal experiences. His meticulous approach as a dedicated art student shines through in his works, highlighting his evolution into a renowned artist. Maite’s works explore the theme of nature and share a common thread in their early stages. Initially, both artists focused on depicting realistic subjects, but eventually, they embarked on divergent narratives that took their art to new heights.
The artists emphasized in their note, “This exhibition is far from ordinary; its purpose is to showcase the deep bond we have developed throughout our artistic journey. When we first crossed paths at art school in Paris in 1956, we painted the same portraits, still lifes, and landscapes side by side before evolving into the well-known “Sakti Burman” and “Maïté Delteil.” In more recent years, as we discussed our shared love for art, we found inspiration in the works of great painters such as Titian, Botticelli, Da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Michelangelo.
These masters guided our sketches as we sat side by side, capturing their techniques and styles. In that series of drawings, you can truly discern the artistry of a master; Sakti effortlessly crafted a distinct “Sakti Burman” style, while Maïté learned to employ the master’s techniques to create her own unique “Maïté Delteil” signature.”
The note adds, “In 2017, when our talented grandson Ganapathy was beginning his journey in the world of Art, with a noble aim of promoting Indian painting in France, Europe faced a severe economic downturn. We created beautiful and unique watercolour paintings to create more opportunities for European buyers. We presented our idea to several painters, and five expressed their enthusiasm to participate in this artistic movement: Suman Chandra, Nandan Purkayastha, Ranjita Kant, Krishnendu Porel & Maya Burman.”
Amrita Kochhar, a renowned gallerist, shares her experience exhibiting the works, stating, “Working with revered artists Sakti Burman and Maite has always been a dream for every gallerist. I am genuinely grateful for the honour of having the show come to me and for the chance to host and showcase it in my gallery. This exhibition resulted from spontaneous planning and did not happen overnight or during a meeting. It was built upon a foundation of friendship, love, and affection that I share with both artists. One beautiful day, our discussions about staging a show began to intertwine, gradually forming a harmonious whole until every aspect seamlessly converged.
Day by day, this show was created, and the show started with my initiative and enthusiasm to showcase the documentary film which documentary filmmaker Joy Banerjee shot. He has produced two stunning documentary films about Sakti and Maite. The story of love, faith, and inspiration truly lives up to its title. The journey started many years ago when Maïté and Sakti crossed paths in Paris. They were both art college students then, and this remarkable journey continues to unfold.
Embark on a transformative journey that embodies boundless creativity, celebrates unity, and forges an everlasting connection witnessed in the magnificent creations of the world’s most esteemed artists. Every artwork in the exhibition symbolizes a specific year, elegantly arranged chronologically from early 1950 to the present day.”
Amrita explains why the exhibition is unique: “At first, they both explored the same subjects and themes, so there was indeed a similarity. However, they have each carved their paths and made distinctive marks over the years. Sakti’s art predominantly focuses on portraits and figurative elements, while trees, birds, and nature inspire Maite’s works.” Sakti weaves mythological narratives into all of his pieces, adding a layer of depth to his art.
His artistic creations are imbued with an ethereal touch of spirituality, elevating the strength and impact of his works. Sakti and Maïté’s dedication to their art practice showcases their passion and unwavering commitment. Their boundless imagination and inventive artwork define them as extraordinary talents. “We invite you to embark on a captivating journey that unveils their love, life, paintings, and the profound bond they share as both a couple and an artist.
Having organised and curated this exhibition, I have witnessed firsthand how the show has progressed and transformed. Being part of this journey with Sakti and Maïté has been an incredibly enriching experience that has profoundly impacted my life.”
Contributor
