Rujuta Rao's Foldable Studio: A Nomadic Art Practice in NYC

In the 353rd installment of Hyperallergic's 'A View From the Easel,' artist Rujuta Rao discusses her itinerant studio practice. Since January, Rao has been carrying a foldable, modular studio that she sets up in public spaces across New York City. Her workspace is portable and modular, allowing her to work in various locations and interact with the public. Rao works on multiple projects in a circular manner, moving incrementally between them to sustain her interest. She works until 4am daily, often communicating with family and friends in India during that time. The modular components of her studio double as performance props, serving as work surfaces, bar-like interfaces for engagement, and screens for privacy in public settings. This approach reflects her life between continents and mediums, embracing a poetic nomadism. The series invites artists to share their own workspaces through submission guidelines and a form.