They are as different as chalk and cheese. But there are several things that bind the mother-daughter duo together. In addition to their bloodline, Maite Delteil and Maya Burman are both passionate about art, and draw from the diverse aesthetics of their Indian and French cultures using vivid colours in their works. And the ongoing exhibition The Flower and the Bulb: The Art of Maite Delteil & Maya Burman only bears testimony to these facts.
Delteil, born and raised in France, makes oil paintings that are picturesque, replete with lush greenery, flowers in full bloom and birds that congregate about trees painted in bright rounds of fruits and flowers. Her works are songs of praise, in which she exalts the beauty of things even as they pass into decay. The 83-year-old, who is married to contemporary artist Sakti Burman, brings together nature and artifice, creating a sense of balance and restraint.
She says she has always shared a special relationship with nature. “I was brought up in the countryside and was close to nature. Even now, though I divide my time between Delhi and Paris, I prefer the solitude of our countryhouse in Anthé in south France. That may be one of the reasons why I go back to nature in many of my works. I also don’t like to interact much, and I believe that is one of the reasons why my art is so contemplative.”
On the other hand, 45-year-old Burman’s water colour, pen and ink paintings feature characters who float through fields languidly while their bodies curve with the shapes of the landscape. They are reminiscent of the French art nouveau tradition, thanks to their floral, decorative patterning. Influences of her formal training in architecture are visible in the scenes set within arches, columns and porches.
“I often represent women because I find them more aesthetic,” Burman says talking about creating figures from a feminine perspective. “Even my men are represented in a feminine way as, according to me, that may be their best side.”
Both artists have ensured that their distinctive styles are reflected with synergy.
“There is no competition between our paintings,” says Burman. “There is a unity in the atmosphere of both sides and the colour palettes that we have used. You travel from a universe of poetry and landscape that invites you to meditate, to a place full of joy, and profusion of life.”
The mother and daughter draw extensive references from the Indian and French cultures. “You can see the blend of classical European elements and traditional Indian pattern in my works,” says Burman. “My mother’s works still retain a European aesthetic, though one can also see influences of Indian miniature art.”
When the two are not painting, they are exchanging notes. “We stay together when I come to India and also spend our summers together in our family house in south of France,” says Burman. “So we constantly discuss what we did and how we like each other’s paintings.”
The duo, who took one-and-a-half-years to execute their creations, says that this exhibition is an opportunity to trace the artistic lineage of Burman’s family. “Often, people take for granted that there should be a similarity in our works,” says the younger artist. “They can experience it with this exhibition. At the same time, a two- people show is a good way to showcase the dialogue between two artists. We hope it is a nice opportunity for people to see the links between us as mother and daughter, and also as painters.”
As for which of the two is the flower and bulb, Burman can only laugh and say, “We are having arguments about that.”
From a poetical point of view you can see it in many ways. “Let’s just say Maite is the flower that is blooming and let’s see what more will come from my bulb,” concludes Burman.
The Flower and the Bulbis on display till February 10 at Art Musings.
