Jayasri Burman

Born in Kolkata in 1960, Jayasri Burman is a contemporary Indian artist who received her training in Fine Arts from the Kala Bhavan in Shantiniketan (1977-79) and later from the Visual College of Art, Kolkata, at the Government College of Art and Craft, Kolkata (1979-80). She went to Paris and studied printmaking under the guidance of Monsieur Ceizerzi in 1984. Jayasri Burman is a proponent of the mythical miniature in her distinct universe of art fables.

Her vast body of works encompasses a lyrical weaving of innumerable stories. Jayasri Burman effortlessly employs a variety of mediums, such as acrylic, watercolours, pen, and ink, creating vibrant compositions inspired by a variety of rituals and festivals. Intricate line works, patterns, and a richly symbolic language adorn her artworks. Burman uses intense hues and female figures to represent the archetypal mother, a central motif in her art.

She incorporates rich images of birds, animals, and trees to represent the pristine, untamed nature. Jayasri Burman paintings like the Kushmanda series is an ode to the eternal feminine presence carrying an abundant reservoir of life force within her, which can nourish every being in the universe. In Dhara, a series of works exploring the connection between motherhood and nature, Burman uses an earthy and monochromatic palette embodying the boundless wisdom of mother nature.

Jayasri Burman paintings give life to the universe of mythological creatures that she recreates in her works. She conveys the spontaneity of her mind in such a well-informed, imaginative canvas.

Burman has exhibited across India and abroad and has established the popularity of her work in Singapore, Hong Kong, Switzerland, London, Germany, Tokyo, New York, San Francisco and many other countries. She has held many solo shows, including; Jayasri Burman: The Whisper of Water, The Song of Stars, at Art Alive Gallery in 2025, 'Gazing into the Myth' at Visual Art Center, Hong Kong in 2014; 'Fables and Folklore', presented by Art Musings at Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai in 2010; 'A Mythical Universe', organised by Art Alive Gallery, New Delhi at Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi in 2010 along with a release of a publication on her work and life.

Her group shows across India and abroad include Art Stage in Singapore in 2014; 'An Indian Summer' at Gallery in Cork St. London presented by Art Alive Gallery in 2008; 'Bollywood Show' at Selfridges, London in 2001; the International Triennale, Intergraphic, Germany in 1987; Bharat Bhavan Biennale, Bhopal in 1986, among many others.

The Government of India has released a series of commemorative stamps with Jayasri's works on the occasion of International Women's Day in 2007. In 1985, she was awarded the National Award from the Government of India. She has also received Outstanding Merit for Tempera in the Annual Exhibition by the College of Visual Arts in 1979. Jayasri Burman has also been a recipient of prestigious awards such as the ICON and Devi Awards.

She is represented in several public and private collections all over the world, including the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi and Lalit Kala Akademi in New Delhi.

She lives and works in New Delhi.