The New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) has announced an exciting initiative to display five temporary public artworks across the city’s five boroughs. This program, supported by the city, aims to enrich New York’s cultural landscape by bringing unique, site-specific installations to public spaces.
Among these new additions is a striking sculpture by renowned Nepali artist IMAGINE (Sneha Shrestha), titled “About a Living Culture.” This artwork will be showcased at Diversity Plaza in Jackson Heights, Queens, through a collaboration with the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art. The sculpture will remain on display until November 2025.
“About a Living Culture” is a six-foot-tall, golden arch-shaped sculpture that prominently features repeated rows of the Nepali letter “Ka,” the first character of the Nepali alphabet. This design draws inspiration from the arch-shaped structures commonly found at sacred and religious sites in Nepal, which are traditionally believed to offer spiritual blessings to visitors.
Located at the vibrant intersection of Roosevelt Avenue and Broadway in Jackson Heights, Diversity Plaza will host the sculpture, allowing it to serve as a reflective space. It aims to connect the rich traditions of the Himalayan diaspora with the diverse narratives of the local community.
Shrestha, an artist of Nepali origin, has garnered recognition for her distinctive style, which seamlessly blends the aesthetics of Nepali script and Sanskrit texts with contemporary graffiti art. Through her work, she honors the beauty of Nepali language and culture while bridging it with modern artistic expressions.
“This sculpture is a homage to the Himalayan diaspora’s living traditions,” Shrestha stated. “Through the interplay of light, form, and script, it creates a contemplative space that honors ancestral roots while embracing the diverse narratives of Jackson Heights.”
Speaking to NepYork, Shrestha shared, “I’m honored to have ‘About a Living Culture’ selected for Diversity Plaza through the NYC DOT Community Commissions program.”
Shrestha’s artistic journey has taken her from Kathmandu to Boston, with her works having been displayed in exhibitions and on public walls worldwide. Her painting “Home416” was recently acquired for the permanent collection of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, making her the first contemporary Nepali artist to be featured in the museum’s history. Her remarkable ability to weave cultural heritage with modern art has established her as a prominent figure in the global art scene.
The installation of “About a Living Culture” is made possible through a significant partnership with the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art. This institution is dedicated to promoting Himalayan art and its insights through exhibitions, immersive experiences, and digital platforms.
Michelle Bennett Simorella, the museum’s Director of Global Projects and Collections, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “The Rubin is committed to making Himalayan art accessible in innovative ways. This partnership with NYC DOT Art builds on this vision by bringing a new public artwork to Jackson Heights, one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city. It’s wonderful to bring ‘Imagine’s’ vision to life and provide New Yorkers of all backgrounds with a moment of inspiration.”
This iteration marks the return of the NYC DOT’s public art program for the first time since 2020. The program, which began in 2008 with the inception of NYC DOT Art, selects artists based on their artistic merit and proposals that resonate with the cultural context of the chosen locations. Shrestha’s sculpture was specifically designed to enhance Diversity Plaza, celebrating the cultural richness of Queens’ incredibly diverse community.
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Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
