Image: Chila Burman at Tate by Joe Humphries. © Chila Kumari Singh Burman MBE
Perth Art Gallery has added a new permanent work by artist Chila Kumari Singh Burman MBE.
Perth and Kinross Council have continued its festive light trail in November 2022 by having the artist reimagine one of the sculptures, a previously white wireframe unicorn.
The sculpture had previously sat outside Perth Museum as part of its inaugural temporary exhibition, Unicorn.
Burman and her studio have now reimagined the installation using neon light, renaming it Unicorn (Ekasringa).
Burman’s work is already held by Arts Council England, British Council, Science Museum, Tate, the V&A, the Wellcome Trust, and the Devi Foundation in New Delhi. Burman’s work with Tate Modern’s retail space Tate Edit was shortlisted for a Museums Heritage Awards in 2022.
Recently her work has featured in exhibitions at the Tate Britain, and Compton Verney.
The artist said: “I chose the unicorn, the national animal of Scotland, as the sole figure for this sculpture because it’s so deeply rooted in Scottish history and heraldry. For the piece’s return to Perth in 2025, I’ve redrawn and reimagined it in my vivid neon style, bringing the figure to life with riotous colour and geometric design.
“In Unicorn (Ekasringa), the ancient meets the fantastical, creating a joyful, punk, and uplifting beacon that bridges cultures and welcomes everyone who enters Perth Art Gallery.”
Rhona Corbett, head of museums and collections at Culture Perth and Kinross said Burman’s reworking of the Unicorn sculpture “will bring a sense of colour, fun, and light to the playful nature of Perth Art Gallery and we believe it will become a firm favourite with visitors.”
From 4 September 2025, Unicorn (Ekasringa) will be on display at the gallery.
