Maya takes it to heart

When we asked Paris-based artist Maya Burman to remove her specs for our shoot, she refused saying, "I wouldn't be me without my glasses

Maya takes it to heart

When we asked Paris-based artist Maya Burman to remove her specs for our shoot, she refused saying, "I wouldn't be me without my glasses." But it's her fairytale vision that's on display at her ongoing exhibition A Dreamer's Labyrinth at Art Musings, Colaba. The daughter of celebrated contemporary Indian artist, Sakti Burman and French artist Maite Deltiel, Maya has the same love for detailing as her parents. CS catches up with her for a chat:

What's on show?
In my paintings, I have tried to show a fairy tale world. It speaks of a time and space when life was quiet, simple and uncomplicated. Some of the paintings might get you a little nostalgic about times gone by. Most of the paintings are made in pen and watercolour. I love contrast, so you will see a blend of bright and muted colours in all of them. The floral, decorative patterns belong to the French Art Nouveau tradition, which I have been trained in.

India calling
I first came to India when I was ten. My next visit was in my early twenties, when I spent some months in the country. As a kid, I didn't have much exposure to Indian culture as my parents stayed in Europe most of the time. I remember the statues of gods and goddesses that were kept at home for decorative purposes. But in my next visit, I did see some of the temples, forts and monuments. I love Indian miniature art and the kind of attention they give to detail. I would sketch those designs for hours. A lot of the arches, porches and columns are India inspired.u00a0

In my genes
I simply can't avoid comparisons with my other family membersu00a0-- father or mother, Jayasri Burman (cousin) and Paresh Maity (brother-in-law). And I don't mind it, because they are all hardworkers and good artists. It's great to belong to a family where art is a passion and a way of life. Most of our conversations revolve around art and artists. My parents are pretty objective about my work. If they don't like a painting, they will say it upfront. That of course helps you improve.u00a0u00a0

Mom's the word
Well, I have two jobs, one of an artist and the other of a mother. I often bring my 15-year-old son Ganapati and a four-year-old daughter Leela with me to India. This time round, Leela is here with me. So when I am not busy with my exhibition, we do a bit of sightseeing and catch up with friends in the city.