Remembering a Brave New World: Chila Kumari Singh Burman’s new bold installation at Tate Britain.
The facade of Tate Britain has been hijacked by artist Chila Kumari Singh Burman in an explosion of symbolism, bold statements, and neon lights. The iconic Punjabi British artist has taken over as part of the Winter Commission series that was inaugurated to coincide with Diwali celebrations and that will be lightning the museum until the 31 of January 2021.
At first glance, it seems like just another colorful array of lights, perhaps not unlike Christmas decorations that take over the city at this same time, but with an unconventional modern twist. However, when looked at closer; this installation is extremely complex, charged with picturesque imagery and cultural and political activism. The symbol of the third eye looks back at the spectator as if gauging the public’s reactions to the imperialist statue of Britannia transformed into the Hindu goddess, and feminist icon; Kali. An ice-cream truck that carries Burman’s personal history awaits by the steps waiting to take us on this new kaleidoscopic dimension. Everywhere you look there is something to deconstruct and explore. The columns are covered with Bollywood collages. An Om crowns the title of this piece: remembering a brave new world. The words Joy, Love, Shine, Light, Aim, Dream, Truth are scribbled all over the place. A magnificent peacock stares back and a beastly lion climbs down the balustrade daring you to come closer and take a look at the godly figures of Hanuman, Lakshmi, and Ganesh. To do so all you need is to climb up the mandala-decorated footsteps.
“Without us there is no Britain” screams the image of a Punjabi woman glowing from the front of this institution. A claim that is hard to believe would ever be seen hanging from the pristine outer walls of the Tate. There is something to say about watching the neoclassical columns of the museum covered by collages of modern images, the whiteness of the building covered with boisterous lights, and messages that stray away from the associated purity the sanctimonious building usually emanates. It feels deliciously sacrilegious, but in light of the current state of the world, the movements that have arisen globally around black communities and POC, and the very needed conversation around decolonization taking place in Britain it seems more appropriate than ever. Is this a response to the controversial accusations of racism that have befallen the Tate this year? Whatever it is, it is refreshing to see a space that incorporates the reality of the multicultural scene that cohabits in this city, and that ultimately brings the spotlight to the overlooked role of the Punjabi community.
Remembering a Brave New World was not only coincidentally released for Diwali, but inspired by its representation of the victory of light over darkness. A statement of hope that we can all cling to, considering the dark times we are living in. It is the neon lights winning over the dark past of this institution and the roots it was built in; it is the idea that despite everything that is happening around us there is still a place for ice cream trucks and joy and the sense of nostalgia that is spread all over the kitsch collection of symbols that Burman chose for this project. It is a celebration of light and a celebration of colour.
This piece by itself is strong, but it is also meant to be a conversation starter. This is why on November 20th, Late at Tate Britain premiered a series of online workshops, artist’s talks, and music by creatives asked to respond to Burman’s piece. This included a short film by Lauren Mooney and Simone Niles, a poetry reading, performance, and conversation by the collective 4 BROWN GIRLS WHO WRITE, a short film by jazz musician Sarathy Korwar, and a curated playlist by Reprezent Radio, available to be streamed online for 2 weeks after the original event went life; showing that today’s art has a role in creating a platform for other voices, and other mediums; that are extremely relevant to the conversation, to be heard.
Remembering A Brave New World is a victory that paints with colour, literally and metaphorically; the whiteness of this space.
