Meet Megha Jairaj | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Megha Jairaj and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Megha, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I would say I stumbled upon a path and just kept taking it. I grew up in Kochi, a small coastal town in Kerala and as a young person I didn’t imagine one could potentially have a “artistic career.” I was introduced to various art disciplines in an academic setting. Over the years my practice unravelled the many material and philosophical conditions that continue to shape me, the place I grew up and where I am now. I have been moving around for about 10 years and my practice has a shape shifting tendency because of this. I enjoy that!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work uses self-published pamphlets, found objects, writing and performance. I am excited about a performance I have been planning with some friends. It is largely in response to the car-culture in LA. I tend to draw connections to where I have been before and see it in a larger ecological framework where things speak to, and become reasons and evidence for each other. I always question how and why things are set up around me the way they are; the built environment, inter-personal relationships etc.

My work has largely been contained by institutions(academic or otherwise.) A friend recently said something along the lines of “I want to be free from institutions, like residencies and art school” and I felt that deeply. Art institutions shape the artists today and I am troubled by it. I am all for doing things small, leading with friends, with what is local. It doesn’t feel very easy for various reasons but I feel geared towards that, to throw out the blueprint, or the least- keep it at a distance.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A friend recently wanted to show me her best spot in town and took me to David Alfaro Siqueiros mural ‘America Tropical’ in Olvera St. opposite Union Station. I would have not ever stumbled upon it if she never took me there. I have ever since been convincing all my friends to go see it. It is one of the many “white-washed” murals in Los Angeles and shows the brutality upon which the city was built. On my second visit there recently with another friend we dropped by ‘Philippe The Original’ in china town, about a 5 minute walk from the mural! Los Angeles Contemporary Archive(LACA), El Gato night market are some other places that come to mind. And I wouldn’t miss walking around in the Angeles National forest!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have crossed paths with folks who are now mentors, friends and allies. The list is long if I have to start naming everybody. I have kind of been a lonely traveller for some time now and I feel lucky to have folks that have stuck with me through the best and worst in my life. Conversation, community, solidarity and love has helped me navigate and stay on my way.

Instagram: https://megha.jairaj

Image Credits
Image credits: Rashed Qurwash