Sarah Kaushik on Collage, Memory, and the Tension Between Past and Present
In an interview with the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, Sarah Kaushik, a visual artist from the Netherlands of Indian heritage, elaborates on her collage techniques. Her series "Protectors All Around Us" showcases individuals dedicated to presence and responsibility. Kaushik's creative approach involves gathering found photographs and textures, allowing them to interact until a coherent narrative develops. When facing creative blocks, she revisits her archive or past works. Her initial piece about Delhi serves as a foundation in her exploration of memory. After nearly ten years of experimentation, her style has matured, drawing inspiration from Liliane Lijn's collages. Kaushik interprets anger as a form of compassion and incorporates music to enhance her focus, with each collage embodying intricate timelines and narratives. The conversation was led by Christina Watson.
Key facts
- Sarah Kaushik is a Netherlands-based visual artist with Indian roots
- Her "Protectors All Around Us" series centers figures committed to sustained acts of responsibility and presence
- She collects found photographs, fragments, and textures for her layered collage process
- Her first artwork, about Delhi, remains a signature piece anchoring her practice in memory and place
- She has worked consistently in collage for nearly a decade
- Liliane Lijn's collage worlds, merging mythology, science, and abstraction, were particularly influential
- She reframes wrath as a compassionate emotional response that motivates action
- The interview was conducted by Christina Watson, digital editor at the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art
Entities
Artists
- Sarah Kaushik
- Liliane Lijn
- Christina Watson
Institutions
Locations
- Netherlands
- India
- Delhi