The Merry Cemetery

The title of the artwork itself feels contradictory. A graveyard is often tied to sorrow and loss. A burial ground is believed to be inherently morbid, but the artist paints it as someplace merry and joyful. To the viewer, the merriment is most obviously seen in the colours. The vibrant red stands out the most, contradicting the usual gloom expected in a cemetery. Amrita Shergil shows great skill as she works with light. The whole painting, alongside the tombstones in the centre, is aglow with a comforting warmth. The graves themselves are the brightest objects on the canvas, vibrant and alive. She paints the cemetery as a place that is social in nature, something that brings families together as they reminisce about their departed loved ones. A place that has witnessed more reunions than farewells. Smaller human figures can be seen in the background, along with tall, bony trees that Amrita Shergill often paints in her landscapes. Interestingly yet, what takes centre stage is a singular wild flower growing on a grave. The viewer spots many more wildflowers the longer they continue to look. A sign of springtime deeply associated with hope and rejuvenation. The flowers blooming ‘after death’ with the crosses in the background is also interpreted by many as a nod to Christian themes of resurrection.