Dreaming With: Prabhavathi Meppayil

In the lead up to the opening of Part 2 of the Triennial, our Dreaming With Q&A series provides an exclusive glimpse into the artists’ lives and studios.

Where have you spent your time during the pandemic?
Like most of the world, I spent my time at home.

What books, music, movies, or podcasts have inspired you recently?
The books that inspired me during this time are Documents of Contemporary Art, the Whitechapel Gallery’s series of books, and A Place in the Shade: The New Landscapes & Other Essays by Charles Correa (Hatje Cantz, 2012).

What are you working on right now?
The past year has been a time of much introspection. While continuing with my practice, I have also had to take the time to pause and reflect on how to do things differently.

What artist or work of art has most recently had an impact on you?
Fluxus art movement has been quite inspiring to read about.

What are you most looking forward to in 2021?
Looking forward to our lives returning to some kind of normalcy.

What do you want viewers to take away from experiencing your work in the Triennial?
I wouldn’t want to preempt [the] viewer’s response. It is the viewer who completes the work.

Are there any fun facts about your practice or your work in the Triennial that you would like to share with readers?
I work with found objects, particularly the installation I am showing at the Triennial, which requires me to explore different spaces and interesting neighborhoods like markets, artisanal workshops, etc.