Nepali artist IMAGINE (a.k.a. Sneha Shrestha) has unveiled her public art installation, About a Living Culture, in Diversity Plaza, Jackson Heights. The six-foot-tall, golden archway sculpture is a collaboration between the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art and the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Art Program.
The temporary installation, which will be on view until January 4, 2026, stands prominently in the heart of Jackson Heights, a bustling social and cultural hub for the area’s large Nepali communities. The sculpture’s design is a powerful homage to the artist’s heritage, featuring repeating rows of “Ka,” the first letter of the Nepali alphabet, meticulously cut from steel to form a monumental archway.
IMAGINE, a Nepal-born artist who works in Boston and Kathmandu, is celebrated for her unique style that merges the aesthetics of Sanskrit scriptures with graffiti art. About a Living Culture marks her first public art sculpture, transforming her signature cut-out steel renderings into a larger-than-life, interactive piece. The archway evokes the vernacular architecture of Nepal, where such thresholds symbolize daily spiritual traditions and guide movement, inviting residents and visitors to reflect and feel a sense of belonging.
NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez praised the project, stating that the sculpture “foster[s] a sense of pride and belonging for the Tibetan and Nepali communities of Jackson Heights.” Council Member Shekar Krishnan of District 25 echoed this sentiment, highlighting how the installation reflects “the beauty of our immigrant neighbors” and makes art accessible within the community.
This is the artist’s second collaboration with the Rubin Museum, following her work in the museum’s 2024 group show Reimagine: Himalayan Art Now. Michelle Bennett Simorella, Director of Global Projects and Collections at the Rubin Museum, noted that the partnership with NYC DOT Art aligns with the museum’s new model as a decentralized, global institution committed to supporting living artists and making Himalayan art accessible in innovative ways.
The About a Living Culture installation is part of a NYC DOT Art Community Commission, a program that partners with community organizations to bring temporary public art to city infrastructure. The project is supported by public funds from the New York City Department of Transportation and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council.
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.
