2023 Merit Scholarship Recipient: Malini Basu

Describe the work you submitted for merits.

In this body of work I lean into slower modes of traversing the city. I focus on building an observational practice for myself—using objects found on the sidewalks as cues to look up and take note of my surroundings. I gradually build out my own mental map by tying the object to the surrounding intersection, the plants in season around me, the smells, the cracks in the sidewalks, my personal memories in that area. This practice led to tactile explorations of how I can connect my body to my movements through a place. While this project began as a response to navigating Minnesota, I was able to continue this mindful observation while in India this past winter.

What made you choose to come to MCAD for your MFA?

I was interested in staying in the Twin Cities and keeping my connections to the art community here. I thought the MCAD MFA program had a very human-centered approach to research and art-making.

Favorite thing about the program or the community (so far)?

Everyone in the MFA program is working within different disciplines and media and I've enjoyed being in critique with such diverse artists.

What inspires you? 

Working in a studio building lets me peek at my cohort working through their own ideas and projects and I'm constantly inspired by them.

Do you have a favorite piece you've made? Describe it!

My favorite piece is probably the jacket with an embroidered and screen-printed map lining the body—it's something that I actually wear on walks.

Anything you're obsessed with at the moment? 

I recently finished the novel All This Could Be Different by Sarah Thankam Mathews, featuring themes of queerness, building relationships, and finding one's way. I have been recommending it to many people!