Rumu Sarkar, a native of Terre Haute and a South Vigo High School graduate, has donated the painting “Le Jardin des Papillons” (Garden of the Butterflies) to Indiana State to be placed in the university’s permanent art collection.
The painting was created in 1971 by Maya Burman, an acclaimed artist specializing in Indian French contemporary art. Burman was inspired by her parents, Sakti Burman and Maïté Delteil, both renowned artists living and working in Paris, France. Sakti Burman is originally from Kolkata, India, and has lived in Paris since the 1950s. The family continues studying art and divides their time between Paris and New Delhi, India.
Sarkar has been a collector of contemporary Indian art for many years and has curated many outstanding pieces. In addition to her art curating, Sarkar practices international development law focused on alleviating global poverty and has a distinguished academic career in teaching and publishing. She is currently an adjunct law professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Law.
“Le Jardin des Papillons” was donated in memory of Sarkar’s parents, Anil K. Sarkar, M.D. and Dipa Sarkar, M.D., both of whom were active civically and professionally in the Terre Haute and Indiana State University communities. Anil and Dipa were the first Indian American doctors in Terre Haute after joining Union Hospital’s pathology group and later becoming co-directors of the labs at Mary Sherman Hospital in Sullivan, IN, and Clay County Hospital in Brazil, IN. Both Anil and Dipa were trailblazers in Terre Haute and are prime examples of what it means to make a difference in your local community.
The permanent collection bookmark for "Le Jardin des Papillons" can be located here.