30 January 2025 to 31 August 2025
IWM North
Everyone
Free event
Step into Chila Kumari Singh Burman’s imagination at Chila Welcomes You, a major new art commission for IWM North.
The exhibition is a personal perspective on the heritage of conflict and stories of Indian migration to Britain after the Second World War.
While you’re here, browse our bespoke Chila Burman retail range at the IWM North shop and online. A family trail is also available for collection at the Welcome and Information Desk.
What to expect
In an immersive and playful assemblage of images, patterns, voices and sound, Burman threads memories of her childhood through a wider exploration of migration and the Indian independence movement.
The exhibition features light-based neons installed on IWM North’s façade, Burman’s first ever work in tapestry, explorations of photography, a neon corner shop sculpture and ready-made treasures taken from her studio – plus much more.
"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." Chila Burman
Large print guides will be available in English, Punjabi, Urdu and Bengali.
Chila Kumari Singh Burman
Chila Burman is known for her subversive feminist practice, which frequently draws on her Punjabi heritage, her family history, and her upbringing in Liverpool. Her work is dynamic, accessible, and politically engaging.
She works across a range of media, including installation, ‘neon’ light works, film, printmaking, and drawing, all of which are reflected in Chila Welcomes You.
Gift shop range
Our new Chila Burman inspired gift range pays homage to the artwork on show in the exhibition.
Colours, shapes and patterns are a signature statement in Burman's art and have come to inspire some of the beautiful collectable pieces in the range, including IWM’s first ever limited edition guidebook featuring her kaleidoscopic wallpaper pattern as the cover.
Burman's large-scale neon sculpture installations, illuminating the façade of IWM North, have also been reimagined in the form of LED neon works.
Chila Welcomes You is part of the IWM 14-18 NOW Legacy Fund. Led by Imperial War Museums, the fund is a national partnership programme of over 20 artist commissions inspired by the heritage of conflict. It was created following the success of 14-18 NOW, the official UK arts programme for the First World War centenary.
Please note this exhibition contains flashing lights, bright neon lighting and a soundscape.
Header image: Chila Kumari Singh Burman, Design for a wallpaper © Chila Kumari Singh Burman
