British-Indian Chila Kumari Burman’s ice cream van joins the London’s Trafalgar Square Fourth Plinth

British-Indian Artist’s Tribute to Migration and Optimism Nominated for Fourth Plinth Honor

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British-Indian artist Chila Kumari Burman’s latest installation, a vivid homage to her father’s journey from India to the UK, has emerged as a finalist for Trafalgar Square’s prestigious Fourth Plinth, as per indiatoday.in.

Titled ‘The Smile You Send Returns To You,’ Burman’s creation is among seven contenders unveiled by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, vying for a coveted spot on the iconic landmark.

Famed for showcasing artworks that mirror London’s multicultural tapestry, the Fourth Plinth could soon host Burman’s portrayal, which centers on her father’s ice cream van, ‘The Rocket.’

The ice cream van, recurrent in Burman’s four-decade-long artistic repertoire, symbolizes her childhood memories intertwined with the broader narrative of Indian migration to Britain, epitomizing resilience and hope.

Described by the London government as a testament to the artist’s personal journey and her father’s voyage aboard the HMS Battory, the installation encapsulates tales of adaptation and enterprise, from Calcutta’s Dunlop factory to Liverpool’s industrial landscape.

Burman’s ‘The Smile You Send Returns To You’ intricately weaves mysticism, history, and cultural heritage, amplifying the narrative of migration and resilience in London’s vibrant ethos

A native of Liverpool and based in London, Burman’s artistic versatility spans printmaking, painting, installation, and film, reflecting her identity as a ‘Punjabi Liverpudlian.’

Alongside Burman, artists Gabriel Chaile, Ruth Ewan, Thomas J Price, Veronica Ryan, Tschabalala Self, and Andra Ursuta have showcased their proposals at the National Gallery until March 17.

Director of the National Gallery, Gabriele Finaldi, lauded the convergence of art and public space, emphasizing the Fourth Plinth’s significance in Trafalgar Square.

The winning submissions, to be announced next month, will grace the Fourth Plinth in 2026 and 2028, enriching London’s cultural landscape.

Deputy Mayor for Culture, Creative Industries, Justine Simons, commended the artists’ thought-provoking contributions, underscoring the global acclaim garnered by the Fourth Plinth initiative.

In parallel, Teresa Margolles’ ‘Improntas’ has been selected as the forthcoming Fourth Plinth sculpture, slated for unveiling in September 2024, serving as a poignant tribute to transgender rights.

Burman’s ‘The Smile You Send Returns To You’ intricately weaves mysticism, history, and cultural heritage, amplifying the narrative of migration and resilience in London’s vibrant ethos.

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