A Fresh Approach

Reimagine: Himalayan Art Now presents artworks by thirty-two contemporary artists, many from the Himalayan region and diaspora, juxtaposed with objects from the Rubin Museum’s collection. Co-curator Roshan Mishra interviewed artist Meena Kayastha about attachment, non-attachment, and perspective shifting in the context of her art.

Meena Kayastha: Non-attachment is not about the non-acceptance of life; instead, I feel it is about understanding our very existence, being minimalistic, and appreciating what life offers us. In both Hindu and Buddhist terms, non-attachment, for me, reflects the profound way in which we, as human beings, approach life. For me non-attachment as an individual involves leaving greed or desire for material possessions or other things. Letting go of such attachments is challenging for all of us, as true freedom lies in releasing these ties.

In my interpretation, non-attachment serves as a guiding principle that encourages me to explore life with a more joyful approach, especially when I engage in my artwork. During this creative process, my subconscious mind naturally takes me into a zone where I am detached from emotions such as love, greed, and hatred. This detachment allows me to truly explore and discover my ideas within myself. Therefore, when I spend time in my studio, I am exploring a very core part of myself.

As an art practitioner, I explore non-attachment through various mediums, expressing the impermanence of life and the momentary nature of human experience. I use discarded materials in my art; they have often lost the attachment from their original purpose, and usually I find they have no existence of belonging. But somehow, when I bring them to my studio and start feeling that material and see it as a potential art form, I sense attachment, as if it belongs to me and I belong to it. This process invites me to see it as more than a discarded object. 

As an artist, I use symbolism, forms, shapes, and other visual elements to convey the idea of letting go and embracing the present moment without worrying about the future. 

My paintings, junk art, and ceramic works serve as expressive mediums that aim to ignite curiosity; therefore, it reframes the perspectives of viewers. Through vibrant colors, intricate and abstract details, and innovative use of materials my paintings invite contemplation and self-examination. The various textures, elements, materials, and papier-mâché incorporate conventional concepts of beauty and value, encouraging viewers to find art in the discarded. I want to make the tactile and sculptural nature of my ceramic pieces engage the senses of the viewer, offering a tangible connection to the creative process.

My art often conveys cultural narratives and emotions; therefore, I think it creates dialogues to share experiences. Through this shared connection, viewers may find resonance in the stories embedded in the pieces by taking them to a deeper understanding of their own perspectives and the broader human experience. I believe that my work is a reflection of my culture, traditions, and the myths I grew up with. Therefore my art doesn’t only repurpose waste and discarded objects, I think it also narrates my upbringing and cultural roots, motifs, and elements. This allows my viewers to understand my contemporary interpretation of these expressions.