Punjabi Liverpudlian artist Chila Kumari Burman’s installation that unites mysticism, imagination, history, and culture to convey the story of migration is on the public vote shortlist to grace the Fourth Plinth of Trafalgar Square in London.
‘The Smile You Send Returns to You’ tells of the London-based artist’s own lived experience, and her father’s voyage on the HMS Battory from India to the UK. It is a story of resourcefulness and entrepreneurship, amid the struggle of adapting to a new life elsewhere. A journey that took him from Calcutta’s Dunlop factory, where his magic tricks earnt his transfer overseas, to Liverpool’s Dunlop factory.
At the centre of her shortlisted piece sits Burman’s father’s Ice Cream Van “The Rocket”. This has been a recurring motif throughout her works over the last 40 years. It is a metaphor for a childhood memory belonging to the broader economic, political, and social history of migration from India to Britain, and a symbol of optimism.
Burman works across a wide range of mediums including printmaking, drawing, painting, installation and film. The artist, celebrated for her radical feminist practice which examines representation, gender and cultural identity, was born in Liverpool in 1957.
Her work joins six others who go head-to-head in the public vote with two winning works to be announced next month as the chosen ones for the Fourth Plinth in 2026 and 2028 respectively.
Justine Simons, Deputy Mayor of London for Culture, Creative Industries, said: “The Fourth Plinth is renowned across the globe for bringing world-class contemporary art to the heart of London. I’m delighted that our shortlisted artists have provided such thought-provoking pieces.
“For 25 years the sculptures on the Fourth Plinth have sparked interest and debate – bringing out the art critic in everybody. I’ve no doubt that these proposals will continue that fantastic tradition.”
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Burman alongside artists Gabriel Chaile, Ruth Ewan, Thomas J Price, Veronica Ryan, Tschabalala Self and Andra Ursuţa have all created maquettes of their proposed artworks which are on display at the National Gallery until March 17.
Dr Gabriele Finaldi, Director of the National Gallery, said: “The Fourth Plinth is located just a few yards from the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, and I am delighted that we can host the exhibition of the shortlisted artists’ proposals in the Gallery.
“It is important that we find ways to encourage the public to look at and become interested in art, whether it’s the great pictures in our museums or new art in public spaces, and I would encourage the public to have their say on these exciting proposals.”
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Ekow Eshun, Chair of the Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group, added: “On behalf of the Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group, I would like to thank the artists for taking the time to consider this unique commission so carefully.
“There is an incredible group of works on show today, and we look forward to hearing the public’s thoughts on these proposals.”
*Info: Fourth Plinth Public Vote
