The Imperial War Museum is currently showing a vibrant and engaging exhibition called "Chila Welcomes You," featuring works by contemporary artist Chila Burman. Burman uses bold colour to explore themes of identity, culture, and the relationship of personal and political narratives.

South Asian Heritage

The exhibition is an immersive experience that showcases her South Asian heritage, addressing contemporary societal issues alongside. Filled with large-scale installations, neon lighting, and intricate pattern, the viewer is encouraged to interact with the artwork on multiple levels. Burman's use of colour and lighting creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, encouraging dialogue about culture and community.

Again, I found this useful in relation to my own practice, how colour evokes different emotions in an audience, colour being an important component of my practice. It was also interesting to see how Burman engaged the audience with her use of lighting.

Resonation

Her works primarily focus on themes of identity, feminism, and the challenges faced by marginalised communities. The exhibition connects personal stories with broader societal issues, enabling an opportunity for the viewer to resonate personally.

"Chila Welcomes You" at the Imperial War Museum offers not only colourful visually appealing artworks in the form of video, installation, and personal artefacts, it also celebrates diversity and explores identity through the lens of contemporary art. It was also useful to connect her use of curation with my own practice.

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