BRITINDIA

As a British Indian, I embody the fusion of two vibrant identities, rooted in rich and proud cultures. Within this dynamic self-image resides a vast community, navigating the complexities of our shared heritage.

Displayed during the Jubilee year of 2022 at London's Headstone Manor Museum, this artwork found its place amidst the ancient chambers, starkly juxtaposing the passage of time with the multicultural landscape of contemporary Britain. It was particularly poignant to witness the majority of museum visitors, like myself, hailing from the East African Indian diaspora. The artwork serves as a testament to the veiled histories, the legacies of colonization, and the narratives of immigration that have shaped Britain throughout Queen Elizabeth II's seventy-year reign.

In this composition, timelines converge and intertwine without distinction between background and foreground. The sacred eye of the cow merges seamlessly with the gaze of the Queen, symbolizing her sovereign reign over the United Kingdom. Her third eye, a representation of time, mirrors the iconic Big Ben clock on the Houses of Parliament. Mohandas Gandhi is immortalized in the form of a postage stamp, a poignant reminder of his pivotal role in India's struggle for independence. Meanwhile, the Pound Sterling currency note signifies wealth and prosperity, reflecting the historical significance of London as the birthplace of the first bank along the Thames River.

British ships dotting the scene evoke the maritime prowess and colonial legacy of the British East India Company and its expansive trade routes originating from India. Amidst it all, seated children symbolize the promise of our future.

This artwork encapsulates a fleeting moment, a "leela" of compressed ages, inviting us to interpret its myriad layers and ponder their significance in our own lives.

Each Fine Art Print is titled, numbered and signed in Ketna’s handwriting.

Depending on each composition’s ‘personality’, colour spectrum and destined geographical location, the Artwork is printed either as a C-Type print on Fuji gloss paper or as a Giclee print on Hahnemuhle Photo Rag paper. (For humid countries e.g Singapore, C-type Fuji paper is advised as it is does not let moisture and mould through)

All Prints are made at the most accredited and reputable Printing studios in London, Singapore or New Delhi, using the best quality fine art archival paper available.

The studio meticulously keeps account of each numbered print, including when and who it was sold to, so there is no chance of duplication.

Each Fine Art Paper Print comes in an edition of 50, so for the three sizes, the total prints ever made will be 150.

Each Metal Print comes in an edition of 25, so for the three sizes, the total prints ever made will be 75.  

Each Acrylic Print comes in an edition of 10, so for the three sizes, the total prints ever made will be 30.

For each composition, there are up to 5 Artists Proofs for colour and production quality checks. The total edition for each artwork is therefore 260.

Each Print is made to order. Please allow 10 working days for delivery.