Salford residents invited to explore Indian migration throughout the Second World War at the Imperial War Museum

Salford residents are being welcomed to a major new art commission that will explore Indian migration throughout the Second World War. 

The exhibition at the Imperial War Museum North will be a personal perspective from Chila Kumari Singh Burman and will use a vibrant and playful mix of images, patterns, voices, and sounds.

The exhibition named Chila Welcomes You, will allow guests to see memories of artist Burman’s childhood, while weaving it together with broader themes of migration and the Indian independence movement.

Residents of Salford will be able to cross the bridge and explore the bright and colourful experience features including the light-based neon illustrations alongside ready-made treasures and historic artifacts.

Artist, Chila Kumari Singh Burman is known for her subversive feminist practice, which frequently draws from her Punjabi heritage, family history and upbringing in Liverpool.

Her work is dynamic, accessible, and politically engaging, and includes an immersive short film and audio sounds explaining parts of her heritage.

Throughout the exhibition, residents will be able to explore the wide range of media she works in including installation, neon light works, film, printmaking, and drawing, which are all reflected in Chila Welcomes You.

Burnam’s artwork is in response to a variety of events including Indian independence, the Partition of India in 1947, and individual and collective histories of migration after the Second World War.

Throughout the exhibition her family history is woven throughout, wither father, who emigrated from India to Britain in 1954, appears in the exhibition in his guise as a magician.

Her father’s voice is also heard describing his memories of India after the Second World War.

Elsewhere, Burnam depicts the Rani of Jhansi, a key figure in the history of resistance to British rule and fills a wall with activist statements.

Chila said: “This commission brings together so many elements of my artistic practice.

“It’s an opportunity for me to bring to life important stories of resistance and defiance in my own personal way.”

Residents in Salford will be able to see the illuminate lights across the Quays and will be able to cross the bridge to visit the exhibition until the 31 August and is free to attend.

For more information of the exhibition at the Imperial War Museum click here.