We were lucky to catch up with Rekha Menon recently and have shared our conversation below.
Rekha , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Finding my purpose as an artist wasn’t an epiphany that struck me overnight. Instead, it was a gradual unveiling, a series of discoveries and rediscoveries shaped by life experiences, passion, emotions, navigating personal tragedies, and the world around me. It was a deeply personal and evolving journey, to say the least.
As a child, I was always captivated by colours, shapes, and the endless possibilities of creation. It was a way to express myself and the first spark of passion that formed a fundamental part of who I was. During my teenage years and early adulthood, I further explored my interest, but due to a lack of guidance, I was unable to pursue it professionally. I ended up completing my bachelor’s and postgraduate degrees in communication and branding. After surviving the corporate rat race for almost two decades and experiencing a family tragedy, I decided to take the plunge and dive into the creative world full-time. Art was a way for me to express the intangible through tangible forms. It was also a healing journey. Equipped with the belief that I could make it and had something important to offer the world, I went full throttle at the age of 41 to pursue life as an artist, and it has been seven years since then. I have not looked back, though I do wish I had started much earlier.
The path to finding my purpose was not without its challenges. There were moments of doubt, frustration, and the ever-present question of whether my art really mattered. These challenges forced me to reflect on why I created art in the first place. I found that my purpose wasn’t about external validation or commercial success but about authenticity and truth. It was about creating pieces that reflected my inner world and resonated with others on a deeper level.
Today, I see my purpose as an artist as a way of being. It’s about living with intention, embracing vulnerability, and constantly seeking to understand and express the human experience. My art is a dialogue between my inner self and the outer world, a continuous journey of exploration and expression. Through my work, I aim to inspire, provoke thought, and create a sense of connection and understanding with each viewer.
Hence, finding my purpose was not a destination but an ongoing process. It required patience, persistence, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty. As I continue to grow and evolve, so too does my purpose. It’s an interplay between personal growth, external influences, and the evolving nature of art…
and that’s the beauty of being an artist, the journey of finding purpose is as dynamic and transformative as the art itself.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a Malaysian contemporary mixed media artist based in Kuala Lumpur, where my work intersects stylised figuration and pop art. My creations are distinguished by their vibrant colours, intricate patterns, and rich textures that breathe life into each piece.
Born in 1976 in Malaysia, I spent my early years in Penang and now reside in Kuala Lumpur. My journey as an artist has been deeply intertwined with my personal growth. Throughout this journey, I’ve embraced resilience, patience, and the necessity of authenticity in my art. These experiences have not only shaped me personally but have also profoundly influenced my artistic practice, guiding me towards continuous growth and self-discovery.
After more than a decade in branding and media relations, I made the transformative decision to pursue visual arts full-time in 2017. This commitment marked a pivotal shift in my life, fully dedicating myself to my passion. This year is particularly significant as it heralds my debut solo show in October, a landmark event in my career. This exhibition provides a window into my artistic evolution and offers a space for audiences to express and process their grief. Designed as a healing platform, it allows visitors to engage with and find comfort in their personal journeys of loss.
My solo show, titled ‘Echoes: Navigating Loss and Embracing Life’, will be held at Temu House, an inviting event space nestled in the lush greenery of a suburban area in Selangor, Malaysia.
“Echoes” will present a collection that delves into the multifaceted nature of grief, inspired by my personal experiences with loss. This body of work celebrates the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity and pays homage to our ability to endure loss and embrace life. The exhibition includes fourteen mixed-media pieces and an installation, blending traditional, digital, and hybrid art techniques. Interactive elements invite the audience to engage with and reflect on their own grief experiences. The exhibition features both large-scale canvases and smaller, more intimate works, creating a dynamic and immersive viewer experience. Additionally, the event will host workshops and talks with mental health groups to foster discussions on coping with grief. I hope the exhibition provides valuable insights and a platform for discussing grief management and mental health issues.
For updates and ongoing dialogue, please visit my website www.rekhamenonart.com and my social media page: http://www.instagram.com/rekhss.art. I look forward to engaging with audiences both online and offline on the topic of grief, encouraging thought and introspection on our shared human experiences.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey as a contemporary visual artist, three key qualities and skills that have been most impactful are perseverance, adaptability, and a deep understanding of emotional expression.
1. Perseverance:
The path of an artist is fraught with challenges, from financial instability to creative blocks. Perseverance and resilience have been essential in pushing through difficult times and staying committed to my craft. For those at the beginning of their journey, my advice is to set clear goals, stay disciplined, and remain patient. Celebrate small victories and keep moving forward, even when progress seems slow.
2. Adaptability:
The ability to adapt has allowed me to evolve my style and techniques over time. The art world is constantly changing, and being open to new methods, technologies, and perspectives has been crucial. I encourage emerging artists to remain flexible and willing to experiment. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new mediums or approaches as this can lead to unexpected and rewarding growth.
3. Emotional Expression:
Art is a powerful medium for expressing complex emotions and experiences. Developing a deep understanding of emotional expression has enabled me to create work that resonates on a personal level with my audience. For those starting out, I suggest focusing on self-awareness and introspection. Use your personal experiences and emotions as fuel for your art, and strive to communicate these effectively through your work.
In conclusion, perseverance, adaptability, and emotional expression have been pivotal in my development as an artist. I strongly urge newcomers to cultivate these qualities to help you navigate the artistic landscape and create meaningful and impactful work. Wishing you the best!
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I am currently actively seeking opportunities to collaborate with galleries, organisations, and fellow artists both locally and internationally. My aim is to engage in sponsored group shows, artist residencies, and various artistic projects that not only expand my artistic horizon but also foster mutual growth and creativity.
For potential collaborators, I am interested in partnering with galleries, organisations or philanthropists that/who are passionate about promoting contemporary art and supporting emerging artists. Whether it’s through exhibitions, residency programs, or other initiatives, I am eager to contribute my unique artistic perspective and skills to collaborative ventures that push boundaries and inspire audiences.
Moreover, I am also keen on connecting with fellow artists who share similar artistic interests and values. I am a firm believer in the power of collaboration to spark new ideas, foster innovation, cultivate a supportive creative community and to deepen my artistic practice. Whether it’s through joint exhibitions, artistic workshops, or collaborative projects, I am excited to explore opportunities to work together and learn from each other’s perspectives to create impactful and meaningful art.
If you are interested in collaborating or connecting with me, please don’t hesitate to reach out through my website (www.rekhamenonart.com), email ([email protected]) or via my social media channel (Instagram/rekhss.art). I welcome inquiries and am excited to explore potential collaborations with individuals and organizations who are passionate about art and creativity. Let’s join forces and bring our artistic visions to life, creating something meaningful together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rekhamenonart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rekhss.art
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rekhss.art
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rekha-menon-0a8a6610a
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