A View From the Easel

Welcome to the 353rd edition of A View From the Easel, a series where artists share insights about their workspaces. This week, Rujuta Rao, based in New York City, brings her foldable studio with her as she moves between continents. Rujuta has been operating this itinerant studio since January, setting it up in various public spaces around the city.

An average day for Rujuta involves juggling multiple projects simultaneously. She moves fluidly between tasks, working on each incrementally until she feels she's made enough progress. This methodology supports her rapidly shifting attention and keeps her engaged with each project. Despite working until 4am, Rujuta cherishes her time connecting with family and friends in India during these late hours.

The nature of her studio significantly influences her work. Currently, it is portable, modular, and designed for mobility, allowing her to set it up in diverse public locations. Each environment and its inhabitants shape her creative output. The modular components of the studio also find their way into her performances, providing a practical means to practice integrating them into live settings.

They serve as work surfaces, interactive interfaces for engaging with people, and as screens that create a sense of privacy in bustling public spaces.